Carlisle's top judge has attacked Botchergate's "disgraceful" drinking culture as he jailed three criminals for violence and drug crimes.

His Honour Peter Davies also warned that the repeated supply of illegal substances is "going to stop".

Judge Davies spoke out yesterday as he handed down lengthy jail terms following two incidents on Botchergate - the centre of the city's nightlife scene - earlier this year.

Cousins Thomas and Andrew Purves received sentences totalling more than eight years for attacking a man inside the Deja Vu bar late on April 15.

Prosecutor Brendan Burke spoke of an altercation between 38-year-old Thomas Purves and eventual victim Stephen Lowe - the former being left bloodied.

Purves was then said to have "recruited" his cousin Andrew, 35, and the pair brutally assaulted the 51-year-old HGV driver in a toilet area during an incident captured on CCTV.

He was repeatedly punched and fell to the ground. The cousins, said Mr Burke, then "went on to kick Mr Lowe when he was defenceless in the floor".

His injuries included a gash to his head, a fractured eye socket - which required surgery - and two lost teeth.

The cousins later admitted causing Mr Lowe grievous bodily harm with intent. Thomas Purves also accepted assaulting a friend of the victim.

"Glowing" references were submitted on behalf of the men, both described as hard-working fathers.

"They weren't hell-bent in causing trouble," said their lawyer, Paul Tweddle. "The situation got very much out of hand, fuelled very much by copious amounts of alcohol.

"They wish to apologise to the citizens of Carlisle."

Andrew Purves, of Newcraighall, and Thomas Purves, of Wallyford, both near Musselburgh, were jailed for four years, and four years four months, respectively.

Judge Davies said: "Anybody who goes on to Botchergate between the hours of nine o'clock on a Friday and nine o'clock on a Sunday will be 'delighted' to see several people drunk in doorways of clubs and pubs.
Judge Peter Davies

"It is a disgraceful sight and it is a sight that welcomes people - including children - who walk up there at two o'clock in the morning and see that disgraceful sight that confronts them.

"It is caused by people drinking too much."

Judge Davies had earlier jailed a desperate drug peddler, 27-year-old Liverpool man Liam Benfield, for three years and four months.

Benfield came to the attention of police after he was found inside a locked toilet cubicle at Botchergate's Walkabout bar on June 25.

Officers recovered 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine, valued at around £1,250 from his person. He had turned to dealing under pressure to pay off a previously-accrued debt, the court heard.

Benfield, of Insall Road, Liverpool, admitted possessing the two class A drugs with intent to supply, and having £444 criminal cash.

Judge Davies heard of the negative community impact posed by illegal substance supply.