BRAWLING squaddies were spared jail yesterday so they could serve in Iraq.

The men were captured on security TV as they took part in a late-night street attack on another soldier, in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

They would have faced being kicked out of the Army if the judge had passed jail sentences, which he said was his first reaction to the case.

The court heard the soldiers were captured on film punching, kicking and stamping on David Coates.

The attack followed an earlier incident in Harry's Bar in the town, said Peter Sabiston, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court.

Gunners Mark Ward,19, and Barrie Bailey, 20, and Daniel Lawrence, 21, of the Prince of Wales Own Regiment, were arrested for affray with visiting student David Rand, 20.

The soldiers now face Army disciplin ary action, which may involve fines and delay of promotion prospects.

Peter Makepeace, defending, said Bailey had an October 6 posting to Iraq for a minimum of six months.

He said: "It may be thought that service in Iraq would be more arduous and certainly more dangerous than doing any community punishment."

Roger Moore, defending Rand, who plans to start a college business course, said: "When he saw the video after he sobered up, he said, 'Oh God, I don't want to watch it any more. It's shameful and I apologise'."

They all pleaded guilty to affray on February 25, and Bailey, of Marne Barracks, Catterick, was ordered to do 200 hours' community punishment and pay £350 costs.

Ward, a chef, also of Marne Barracks, was given 140 hours' community punishment with £205 costs.

Lawrence of Somme Barracks, Catterick, was fined £1,000 with £205 costs, and Rand of Haines, Lincoln, was given 120 hours' community punishment with £250 costs.

The soldiers will complete their community punishment after they return from Iraq, an officer told the court.