Two brothers, who travelled to Dover and became embroiled in what one of them described as "a war zone", have both been sent to prison.

Dean, 32, and Jason Barrett, 30, claimed they went to January's demonstration in the town in support of truckers.

But Canterbury Crown Court heard how they were videoed throwing missiles at left-wing demonstrators.

Now a judge has sent both of them to prison after hearing about their behaviour during the serious street violence.

But as the two were led away to start their sentences, Jason began screaming abuse – and was ushered away by security staff as his brother continued to fire off foul-mouthed invective against the judge.

Robert De Banzie, prosecuting, said both brothers denied affiliation with any right-wing group and said they joined in the demonstration because their father was a long-distance lorry driver on the Continent who had faced problems will illegal immigrants.

Jason, from Sudbury and Dean from Thurrock both admitted violent disorder during the clashes between rival demonstrations.

The prosecutor said cameras first spotted the two outside the Priory Hotel and later in Effingham Street where Dean was seen throwing three missiles and his brother just one.

During police interviews both brothers denied understanding what “right-wing and left-wing” meant and Jason said he had come to Dover to support the truckers when he was confronted by “ a war zone”.

Investigating officer PC Thomas Banks said: "The Barrett brothers and others involved in violence on the day brought chaos to a community whose members neither wanted nor deserved to have this kind of behaviour on their doorsteps.

"We are very pleased with the lengthy custodial sentences imposed on many of those who have appeared in court to date, which sends a clear message that this type of criminal activity is never justified.

"The investigation is ongoing and we look forward to receiving more positive outcomes in the weeks and months to come."