A PAIR of brothers assaulted a man in Pershore High Street last Christmas Eve after being taunted by two girls, a court was told.

Keith Boulton, aged 24, and his brother, Wayne, 21, admitted common assault against David Jones.

He suffered bruising to the head, face, ears and elbow, plus a cut to the lip and concussion.

Worcester magistrates heard that Mr Jones was walking with two friends when he was approached and struck without warning by Keith Boulton.

"The blow was sufficiently forceful for him to feel disorientated," said Stephen Harris, prosecuting yesterday.

"Mr Jones tried to defend himself then there were several blows aimed at his face, although he lashed out himself.

"Wayne became involved and struck Mr Jones in the face.

"He was then left by the two brothers and at that, two other people then stepped in and gave Mr Jones several kicks to his upper body.

"It's true to say that although they have admitted it, they might not be responsible for all the injuries Mr Jones received.

"Keith Boulton said he had been taunted by the two girls about his ex-girlfriend.

"He said he walked after them and Mr Jones to ask them what it was all about.

"Mr Jones turned round and began to aim blows at his face. Keith Boulton then said he defended himself."

The court was told Wayne Boulton stepped in after their sister, Emma, was struck by Mr Jones.

John Onions, defending, said punches were traded by Keith Boulton and Mr Jones after the girls had taunted him.

He said Wayne Boulton, who was walking on the opposite side of the road, became involved after their sister was hit.

"He saw what he viewed as an attack on his sister and ran across the road and struck David Jones once quite hard," said Mr Onions.

"He denies he struck the head of Mr Jones on the ground."

The men, who are both tree surgeons, of Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton, were each fined £300 with £70 costs and also ordered to pay £100 compensation each.

The magistrates accepted not all Mr Jones's injuries had been caused by the brothers.