TWO men ended up covered in blood after a fight broke out between rival groups in a Worcestershire pub.

Nicholas Smith struck Laurence Borrowdale in the face with a beer glass before he retaliated with a blow using a glass ashtray on the back of Smith’s head.

Daniel Smith tried to calm the situation down but got involved after seeing a relative bitten while in the Karma bar in Vine Street, Evesham, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Martin Butterworth said Borrowdale was working in the area with contractors on a gas installation at Wormington. His group may have upset locals by “behaving loudly” and making comments about Evesham girls.

Nicholas Smith, aged 23, of Hither Green, Badsey, near Evesham, and 43-year-old Borrowdale, of Kier Hardie Avenue, Cleator Moor, Cumbria, pleaded guilty to affray.

Daniel Smith, 24, of The Close, Cleeve Prior, near Evesham – who is unrelated to the other defendant – admitted public disorder.

Recorder Julian Shaw said it was “a huge blessing” only minor injuries were caused.He said: “Public violence is not acceptable behaviour. This was no doubt fuelled by too much alcohol and bravado.”

Nicholas Smith got an eight-month jail term, suspended for two years, with 100 hours’ unpaid work and £450 costs.

Borrowdale was sentenced to a two-year community order with 100 hours’ work and £450 costs. Daniel Smith was given a 12-month conditional discharge with £107 costs.

There was CCTV footage of the violence which blew up on September 15 last year.

Borrowdale suffered chin, ear and neck wounds while Nicholas Smith suffered a cut head and a jaw injury.