A FATHER-of-three named as the leader of a gang of travellers involved in violent clashes in the North-East will not be allowed to carry a gun.

Teesside Crown Court has ruled that Louis Welch, a man described as being in charge of members of the travelling community, known as "Hawkers", would be a danger to the public if he had a shotgun.

The court heard that for the past ten years the gang had been locked in a bitter feud with town centre drinkers, dubbed "Townies", in Darlington, which had led to at least one death.

Chief Constable Paul Tinker said police were forced to put extra officers on the street during periods when the gangs were likely to clash and told how the feud continued to rumble.

Mr Welch, 33, of Geneva Road, Darlington, who denied he was a gang leader, had had a gun certificate revoked by Durham Constabulary but appealed against the decision in court.

Reaching his decision, Judge John Walford, said Mr Welch, the owner of Honeypot Lane caravan park, was unable to exercise self-control.

During a fight at the Tanners pub on August 18, Mr Welch was seen squaring up for a fight after being provoked by members of the "Townies" gang and was arrested.

He had been drinking with friend John Robertson, who was later stabbed to death by a member of the Townies group. Mr Welch's home was also torched.

Judge Walford said: "What is worrying for the future is that this was one episode in a long-running feud between two groups which has continued since.

"Against the background of feuding and violence, which Mr Welch has been caught up in, we are concerned if lawfully allowed he could be provoked into losing his self-control and using it unlawfully.

"Mr Welch cannot be permitted to possess a shotgun without a danger to public safety or the peace".

Mr Welch said he had wanted to use the gun to go clay pigeon shooting. He was ordered to pay £700 costs.