TWO youths are behind bars following a “sustained” attack on a man walking home from a night out with members of his family.

Christopher Stephen Sadler and Lewis Adam Crow carried out the motiveless assault in front of the victim’s wife, daughter and son.

Durham Crown Court heard he was punched and repeatedly kicked when he went to ground.

The victim, who curled into a ball for protection, was left unconscious, and only came round in a police vehicle later.

He suffered several injuries, including rib damage and had to wear a wrist cast for three weeks.

His hysterical 16-year-old daughter tried to grab Sadler, who responded by punching her.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said the incident took place as the family group made their way home from Horden Rugby Club, east Durham, on March 2.

Crow, 19, of Eden Lane, and 22-year-old Sadler, of Kirkstone Avenue, both Peterlee, each admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Sadler also admitted assault by beating.

Jane Waugh, for Sadler, said he could recall little of the incident due to the amount he had drunk, but added that the whole procedure has, “brought him up short”.

Scott Smith, for Crow, said: “He accepts he was heavily intoxicated. It’s unclear what triggered off this chain of events.”

Judge Christopher Prince imposed 12 month sentences, in a young offenders’ institution for Crow and prison for Sadler.