A dog watched on with its paws on the bar as violence erupted inside a busy pub.

Three members of a Medway family - who took part in a fracas - have now been sentenced nearly three years after the brawl at the Plough and Chequers in Danes Hill, Gillingham.

Brothers Shannon and Nico Adams each received suspended jail sentences but their uncle, Clint was jailed for 15 months.

The court heard frightened children and a mother with a pram fled during the fight, which was caught on CCTV.

Judge Julian Smith told them: "What a pathetic display! You could have all walked away and ended it there but you didn't and what followed was deeply unpleasant violence."

He added that the only person who seemed to be enjoying the ruckus was the pub dog, who was caught on CCTV with its paws on the bar watching.

But the judge said the delay in charging them "simply wasn't acceptable" and as a result he reduced their sentences.

"Justice needs to be prompt and delays undermine the efficacy of justice, " he added.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the first incident happened when Ross Bourne was grabbed by the nose and headbutted by "arrogant" Clint Adams, 48, who showed " a contempt for his victim".

Prosecutor Dominic Connolly said the fighting then spread inside the pub where a second victim, Richard Paige, was bitten in the face by Clint during a "sustained assault".

Clint and Nico had taunted others inside the pub before entering through a side entrance and continuing the fight.

Shannon became involved in a fight with a third victim, Martin Tonge, who was wrestled to the ground.

"While Mr Tonge was on the ground he was repeatedly punched by Nico as Mr Tonge's partner tried to protect him. And while outside flying kicks were aimed at the door when some were trying to get back inside," Mr Connolly added.

Clint Adams, of Orchard Street, Rainham was jailed for 15 months and Shannon, 30, and Nico, 28, both of Lobelia Close, Gillingham received suspended jail sentences. All three admitted violent disorder.

Shannon was given a 10-month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to do 160 hours of unpaid work.

His brother received a 12-month sentence suspended for two years and told he had to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work. Both were also told to pay £350 in court costs.

The sentencing of a fourth man, who has admitted a similar charge, will take place later this month.