Black Country News: Judge orders drunk thugs 'to work' WALSALL.

THREE men involved in an outbreak of violence outside a nightspot in Walsall have been spared prison sentences.

Adam Aldridge, Aaron Higgins and Gavin James were all the worse for drink when they were caught on CCTV brawling outside the Coliseum, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

"The Home Secretary has been reported as saying that after dark it is not safe to walk the streets," Judge Anthony Cleary told the three men.

"She was referring to the streets of London but it applies here as well because of young men drinking.

"Sending you to prison will just put more strain on the public purse so I am going to make you work."

Aldridge, 19, of Second Avenue, Higgins, 26, of Fourth Avenue, and 25 year-old James, of High Street, all Brownhills, admitted affray.

They were all given a six-month jail term suspended for a year while James and Higgins were also made the subject of 12-month supervision orders.

Higgins was further ordered to carry out 50 hours' community punishment while Aldridge was told to do 100 hours.

The judge made no order for unpaid work in the case of James after being told he is currently receiving hospital treatment.