TWO men and two women who attacked and repeatedly kicked a man out celebrating his 40th birthday have been spared jail.

A court heard that the victim of the drunken violence was 'lucky' to have not lost his eyesight in the brawl.

In the dock at Oxford Crown Court were Sophie Elliston, 29, of Marsh Road, Bicester, Alexandra Slattery, 26, of Flanders Close, Bicester, Ben Quainton, 29, of Flanders Close, Bicester, and Jack Quainton, 31, of Marsh Road, Bicester.

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They had all admitted a single count of affray before their sentencing hearing yesterday.

Outlining the case prosecutor Giles Morrison said the violence took place on February 17 last year at a pub in Bicester.

The victim had been out celebrating his 40th birthday in a pub when at about 1am he saw what he believed to be a male and female having an argument.

The man said to them 'cheer up' and Elliston, one of the eventual attackers, told him to 'f**k off.'

Some time later a confrontation ensued involving all four of the attackers.

Jack Quainton was said to attempt to headbutt the man before Ben Quainton pushed him, with both 'squaring up to him.'

Prosecutors said that the man 'at all times' did not react to the aggression.

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After moving to another part of the pub the man was then pursued and they were escorted out of the premises by door staff.

Outside, the aggressors 'took hold' of the man from behind and during the violence he was kicked a number of times.

Once the attack had stopped the man was described as having blood coming from his eyes.

The court heard that while there was no permanent damage to his eyes he was 'lucky' for there to have not been more serious injuries.

In mitigation it was said that everyone involved in the incident that night had been under the influence of alcohol.

It was also said by the defence that 'there was some antagonistic behaviour by the complainant to the defendants.'

Sentencing, Judge Michael Gledhill QC said: "Sophie Elliston, you started this affray, this brawl in a public house, you ought to be thoroughly ashamed of yourself.

"The rest of you joined in and joined in with enthusiasm.

"How [you all], around 30, of previous good character, with responsible jobs, good background, could get involved with this sort of violence is quite beyond me."

He ordered they each serve an eight-month jail term, suspended for two years.

They must also all complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £250 compensation to their victim.

Quainton and Quainton will pay £535 court costs and Elliston and Slattery will pay £340 court costs and they must all pay a statutory victim surcharge.

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