A FAMILY “rallied round” to inflict a reprisal beating on a man pestering their son over an alleged debt, a court heard.

Three members of the Healer family, from Seaham, County Durham, were jailed for a total of 18 years for the sustained attack, which left their victim with a broken kneecap and other serious injuries.

Durham Crown Court heard they planned the attack after the victim called at the family home in James Street, Seaham, on June 7, last year, seeking £60 he said was owed by John Ball, 20.

Paul Currer, prosecuting, said the man returned later that day, but was confronted by Mr Ball’s uncle, Dennis Healer, and his father-in-law, John Thomas “Tommy” Healer, who beat him with pickaxe handles.

Mr Currer said Tommy Healer’s wife, Catherine, was shouting at them to kill him.

It was only when Tommy Healer said: “He’s had enough,” that the badly injured man managed to flee, pursued by Dennis Healer.

The 24-year-old victim was taken to hospital with a fractured knee, scalp wounds, a broken finger and numerous bruises and swellings.

Catherine and Tommy Healer were arrested the next day, but Dennis Healer fled to the Lake District, before later handing himself in with a planned alibi.

Tommy Healer, 61, and Catherine Healer, 41, both now of Longnewton Street, Dawdon, Seaham, and Dennis Healer, 37, formerly of Ash Crescent, Parkside, Seaham, each denied wounding with intent, but were found guilty.

Defence barristers for Catherine and Tommy Healer said they were hard-working business people who suffer ill-health. Peter Walsh, for Dennis Healer, said he planned to leave the area on release from prison.

Recorder Peter Makepeace said the family “rallied round” to carry out the attack, which could have had more serious consequences.

Dennis Healer was jailed for eight years, Tommy Healer for six and Catherine Healer for three.

Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Vince Addison said: “Dennis Healer, particularly, is well-known in the community and not for the right reasons. These sentences today send out a powerful message that no one is above the law".