TWO brothers in their 40s were attacked outside their business by a group of drunken men queuing for a bus.

Mark Ingram and Christopher Owens were sentenced at Oxford Crown Court yesterday after the incident in Nuneham Courtenay.

Prosecutor Matthew Corrie said the pair were part of a group of seven men who had been at a party in the village on the night of October 16.

As they were waiting for a bus one of the men knocked over a business sign belonging to 49-year-old Nigel Aldsworth. He came out of his home to investigate and was joined by his brother Andrew, 47, before a fight broke out.

Nigel Aldsworth was punched repeatedly and his brother was kicked.

Ingram, 25, of Leach Road, Berinsfield, admitted one count of causing actual bodily harm to Andrew Aldsworth on the basis he kicked him once.

Owens, 36, of Lodden Avenue, Berinsfield, admitted causing actual bodily harm to Andrew and Nigel Aldsworth. He admitted punching the latter and assaulting Andrew Aldsworth but denied any kicks.

The court heard both men regretted their actions.

Judge Gordon Risius said: “Whoever started the trouble that night, it was outrageous that people minding their own business at home should be disturbed in the way these two brothers were.”

Owens was given a 12-week sentence, suspended for two years, with 12 months’ supervision and 100 hours’ unpaid work.

Ingram was given an eight-week sentence, suspended for two years, with six months’ supervision and 60 hours’ unpaid work.