A father and son who threw punches and chairs during a brawl at a charity boxing match have avoided jail.

Noah Rye junior and senior admitted their part in the incident at the Maidstone Gurkha Boxing Club fight night and were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.

Spectators frantically gathered their belongings and ran for cover as the violence escalated at New Line Learning Academy, Loose.

The Ryes, both of Church Field, Snodland, were arrested after they were recognised from photos published on KentOnline and charged with affray following the incident in March.

Former amateur boxing champion Rye junior, 20, claimed he was acting in self defence as he punched an unknown male.

He was later seen to throw a chair at another man reportedly after it was thrown at his six-year-old brother.

Rye senior also punched a man and threw a chair during the fight.

After viewing CCTV footage showing dozens of people piling in Judge Julian Smith said he was aware there were many people that should also be in the dock.

The court heard how another man seen firing missiles with a catapult had been arrested by police but later released without charge.

Judge Smith added it was not entirely clear what had triggered the violence but it appeared to have been an altercation between Rye senior and a man who made racist comments.

Describing Rye senior – who has one previous conviction for stealing a car and one caution for assault – as a family man he said the violence was clearly out of character.

Addressing Rye junior – who has no previous convictions – he said: “You are a young man with real prospects. People who know you have spoken of qualities they admire.”

Speaking of his boxing prowess Judge Smith said: “It is doubly important you control your emotions and anger. Your fists are dangerous weapons and you used them in front of children and families.”

He sentenced the pair to six months in prison, suspended for a year, and ordered them each to carry out 180 hours unpaid work and pay £250.