A COURT has pleaded with the Royal Irish Regiment to control its drunken soldiers and stop them fighting on the streets of Canterbury.

One prosecutor made a direct appeal to an officer of the regiment, which has its 1st Battalion based at the city's Howe Barracks, after two soldiers appeared in court and were fined after admitting assault.

Speaking to Capt Scott Gilbert, who was sat at the back of Canterbury Magistrates' Court, Alan Croft said: "In recent weeks I've prosecuted a number of such cases. It's a problem we simply can't have.

"These soldiers are coming into Canterbury and attacking others as they innocently walk down the streets. Perhaps he in turn could take those complaints back to the barracks."

Paul Lavelle, 19, and David McGuire, 20, both from Liverpool, were stationed at Howe Barracks, the court heard. On March 27, they were in St Margaret's Street, Canterbury, when they attacked Robin Brown. McGuire also assaulted a second victim, Gary Baxter.

Mr Croft told the court Lavelle had admitted to police he was a little drunk and McGuire had said he was "blitzed." Lavelle was fined £200 for assault, ordered to pay £50 compensation to Mr Baxter and £45 costs.

McGuire was fined £150 for each assault, ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Brown and £50 to Mr Baxter, and £45 costs.

After the case Lt Col Tim Collins, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, said: "The Army takes a very serious view of such behaviour and is endeavouring to do all it can to ensure the people of Canterbury get the degree of respect to which they are entitled.

"Soldiers should be aware that such assaults will not be tolerated and they will face a stiff penalty for such anti-social behaviour."