TWO men involved in a brawl outside a pub were like 'David and Goliath' after one made a comment to the other about sleeping with his ex-wife.

Ian Ridgway, 55, Stephen Davenport, 54, and Gary Marshall, 54, appeared together at Workington Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced for two charges of assault by beating.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the parties involved were known to each other and there had been 'bad blood' since the ex-wife of Ridgway got together with another man.

The court heard that this other man had come across Ridgway at the Albion pub in Silloth on July 30.

Ridgway was with Davenport and became abusive and offered him out for a fight. He chased the victim around cars and then struck him to the face, causing him injury.

The victim’s father went out to find his son and an incident of violence had then taken place outside the pub, which was caught on CCTV.

Ms Fee said several people tried to break up the fight.

The victim was treated for concussion in hospital and his father also had injuries to his face.

During police interview, Ridgway, of Marine Terrace, Criffell Street, Silloth, said there had been an argument between him and the victim.

He stated that the victim had taken his wife away from him.

Ridgway said he thought the other man was going to hit him first and his actions were in self defence.

Davenport, of The Ranch, Silloth, told police he was having a drink in the pub when the victim's father had “offered him out”.

He said he turned round and saw the victim's father on top of his friend. He said he had started fighting and someone had come over and dragged him away from the incident.

Marshall, of Solway Street, Silloth, gave ‘no comment’ throughout police interview.

John Greenwood, for Ridgway, said: “It’s because of his involvement with [the victim] that this whole thing blew up like it did.

“Mr Ridgway drank more than he would have normally.

“A short time prior to the incident captured on CCTV, Ridgway had been walking down the street and someone was walking closely behind him.

“[The victim] had a go at him about something Mr Ridgway had put on Facebook. A photo of him and Mr Ridgway’s wife.

“[The victim] told Mr Ridgway that his kids hated him. Mr Ridgway saw red and punched [the victim] in the left eye. He accepts he is responsible for a very small bruise.

“He made his way to the Albion. [The victim] took a picture of the injury and sent it to his mother. He said he had just been assaulted by Mr Ridgway.

“[The victim's father] decides to attend the scene and speak to his son. They went looking for Mr Ridgway and find him.

“[The victim's father] pointed at Mr Ridgway and said, ‘outside now’. He should have stayed where he was. Had he stayed, these three gentlemen would not be before the court.

“One of the things he [the victim] said to him was, ‘just because I’m s******g your wife.’

“Mr Ridgway is very embarrassed and annoyed at himself. He apologises for getting involved.

“He is 55 and five foot seven. [The victim] is 25 and six foot three. It was a little like David and Goliath.”

Mike Pope, for Davenport and Marshall, said: “They acted in support of their friend. They are embarrassed for their actions and behaviour.

“They saw red as well. It was a one-off.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order for each of the defendants, with a 120-day alcohol abstinence programme. Davenport must also complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

The defendants were given a 12-month restraining order which ban them from contacting the victim or his father.

They must also pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

MORE FROM COURT: 'Fraudster' compares her case to Stephen Lawrence as she disputes police evidence