A JUDGE yesterday warned feuding families they face prison if there is a repeat of brawls involving members of both groups.

Durham Crown Court heard that bad feeling lasting almost ten years between the Cliffs and Beals played a part in violence in West Auckland and outside the Sportsman pub, in Bishop Auckland, in July and August 2000.

The court heard the Sportsman incident arose after two of the Beals were asked to leave as they were barred.

Judge Maurice Carr said: "There are some people who live in County Durham who think we should just put you in a field and let you get on with it. I don't agree and the public wouldn't agree to that. I have to look at the public interest here."

Kenny Beal, 21, of Pilkington Way, Auckland Park, admitted affray and threatening words and behaviour. Andrew Paul Beal, 18, of Eldon Bank, Paul Norman Beal, 21, of St Wilfrid's Walk, and Allan McGregor, also 21, of Walker Drive, all Bishop Auckland, each admitted affray.

Graham Beal, 42, also of Pilkington Way, Paul Haux-well, 41, of Witton Park, and Michael Cliff, 37, of Central Avenue, St Helen's Auckland, each admitted threatening words and behaviour.

Judge Carr deferred sentence on Kenny, Graham, Paul Norman and Andrew Paul Beal, plus Paul Hauxwell for six months, warning if the violence was repeated he would impose terms of imprisonment.

Michael Cliff, who has been in custody for almost three months, was given a two-year conditional discharge. McGregor was sentenced to 120-hours' community punishment and ordered to pay £250 compensation, plus £100 court costs.

John Paul Cliff, 28, of Front Street, West Auckland, was earlier jailed for nine months for witness intimidation.