TWO men were jailed yesterday for terrorising a club after they were refused drinks.

Thomas Connors, 37, and Lee Tyers, 28, challenged others to fight at the Preston and Eaglescliffe Club, Richard Scott, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court.

They became abusive and were asked to leave.

Two off-duty prison officers left the club and were confronted in the yard by the pair. The officers tried to calm them down.

But Connors punched one in the face, knocking him unconscious, and repeatedly kicked him.

Tyers then punched the other man and kicked him.

When club members ran out, the attackers jumped into a taxi and fled, said Mr Scott.

Paul Newcombe, speaking for Connors, said he was a good father and a decent man who offered his apologies to the victims for what was an isolated incident.

Anthony Callaway, for Tyers, said that he also wished to apologise and he was able to offer substantial compensation.

Judge Leslie Spittle told the pair: "It would be an outrage to the public if this type of offence was not punished."

Connors, of Bowesfield Lane Caravan Site, near Stockton, was jailed for 18 months after he pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on February 28 last year.

Tyers, of the same address, was jailed for eight months after he admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.