Three thugs who attacked a man in a Chatham betting shop have avoided a jail sentence.

Stephen Phillipson, Edward Phillips and Freddy Sibley left Hippolyte Mahe bruised and with a swollen face.

The most serious injury of a wound to Mr Hippolyte’s right wrist was caused by Phillipson’s dog, but a judge ruled it "highly unlikely" the animal was used as a weapon.

Phillipson, 26, of Shipwrights Avenue, Chatham; Phillips, 28, of St Michael’s Close, Chatham; and Sibley, 31, of King Street, Rochester; admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Phillipson also admitted being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control.

A charge of racially aggravated actual bodily harm for all three was left on the court file.

They were each sentenced to three months imprisonment – suspended for 18 months with conditions.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens was shown CCTV of the incident at William Hill in Chatham on April 4 last year.

Abbe Arnold, prosecuting, said the victim had been playing on a gaming machine when Phillips demanded £3 from him, saying his friend had given him that sum.

He refused and moved away, but Phillips grabbed his arm. Mr Hippolyte pushed him away, but then fell over.

Miss Arnold said Phillips ordered the dog: "Bite him."

Phillipson and Sibley came over and all three set about the victim, Miss Arnold told Maidstone Crown Court. He was kicked and punched.

Cashier Julie Lattimore intervened and called the police. She said in a statement: "The dog was going crazy and barking and biting at everyone involved."

Mr Hippolyte needed three stitches in the wrist wound.

Phillipson had 29 convictions for 44 offences, Sibley 31 convictions for 59 offences and Phillips 12 convictions for 20 offences.

Phillipson’s sentence will have a drug and alcohol rehabilitation requirement.

The judge said he would not make a destruction order for the dog.

Phillips will have a drug rehabilitation requirement. He and Phillipson will be under a tagged curfew for three months.

Sibley will have a substance abuse requirement. All three will have their progress reviewed by the judge in a month’s time.