A drunken late night street fight in Worcester resulted in a 52-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman before the crown court.

Kevin Townsend, of Sailors Bank, Lower Broadheath, was walking home with his wife and another woman when he got into a confrontation with a group of people in the Bull Ring, St John's, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Amrisha Parathalingam, prosecuting, told the court the other group, which included 25-year-old Kerri Simons, had been drinking and had decided to have a pizza at about 1.20am. An argument developed with Townsend which was caught on CCTV and showed a number of people involved in a melee on the pavement outside shops.

Townsend could be seen on the CCTV footage running across the road and getting involved in some pushing before punches were thrown. Townsend pushed another man into a shop doorway and punched him before others came to his assistance and started punching and kicking Townsend, Miss Parathlingam said.

Townsend could be seen staggering around in the street as a police van pulled up.

"He was heavily intoxicated," Miss Parathlingam said. "He was still being aggressive when police arrived and wanted to continue the fight."

Simons could also be seen on the CCTV throwing a punch as she tried to protect her friends.

Both pleaded guilty to affray following the incident on September 28, 2014.

Others involved in the fight have already been dealt with in the courts. Townsend had a number of previous convictions including several for being drunk and disorderly and for violent offences, the court heard.

Charles Hamer, defending, said Townsend had "received more than he dished out" in the fight which had started because of drink. Townsend, he said, had a history of drinking too much but had now reduced his alcohol consumption.

Suzanne Francis, defending Simons, said she had only got involved to protect her friends but she accepted she had gone beyond reasonable self defence. She said Simons was of positive good character with no previous convictions.

Recorder Sam Mainds said they were both involved in "a pretty unpleasant scene" for anyone passing by to witness.

He said Townsend had probably been provoked but had over-reacted.

"You were the most mature person there and you should have known better," he said to Townsend. "Next time put your hands in your pockets and walk off. That's the best advice for anyone."

Simons, he said, had done a lot for the community and though she should not have behaved as she did on that night he was prepared to give her a 12-month conditional discharge for her to continue with her positive work. She was also ordered to pay £100 towards costs.

Townsend was given a 12 month supervision order with a requirement to complete ten sessions of a reducing violence programme. He was ordered to pay £340 towards costs.