A FORMER soldier who became involved in a mass pub brawl with his two sons on Remembrance Sunday last year has been sentenced by a court.

Judge Timothy Stead heard how 49-year-old David Richardson had spent 22 years serving with the Army around the world and had no criminal record.

But when his younger son, 21-year-old Ryan Richardson started shouting and becoming abusive to staff and customers at the Bridge Inn, Horwich, at 11pm on November 9, Richardson and his older son, Liam Richardson, 23, became involved in a fight outside the pub.

Several people were injured and the landlords, Lee and Corinne Flannery, were assaulted.

Part way through a trial last month David Richardson of Owen's Row, Horwich, and Liam Richardson, of Clively Walk, Swinton, both admitted affray and Ryan Richardson pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour.

So many people were involved in the brawl that Judge Stead said the confused situation meant it was impossible to establish beyond doubt who had attacked whom.

But during the melee several punches were thrown, one man was headbutted and the landlords were punched and kicked. David Richardson also needed stitches to a head wound.

Adrian Palmer, defending David Richardson, said he had served his country "with distinction" and was considerably embarrassed to be before the court.

He said: "His sons, maybe, could have taken a leaf out of their father's book."

Sara Haque, for Liam Richardson, said the father-of-one has an issue with resolving conflict after he has been drinking.

Ryan Richardson, of Shetland Way, Urmston, also admitted attempting to rob a man on Manchester Road, Bolton, on the evening of June 2 last year, only being prevented by his friends who restrained him.

Judge Stead commented that the pub brawl would probably have not occurred but for Ryan Richardson's behaviour.

"It seems to me that the only just and sensible course is to make you subject to an immediate term of imprisonment," he told Ryan Richardson, jailing him for 12 months.

Liam and David Richardson were each sentenced to do 80 hours unpaid work and pay £250 towards prosecution costs. In addition Liam Richardson was ordered to do an achieving peaceful solutions activity.