A ROW over a dropped bag of chips led two 18-year-old youths to beat up their victim in Felixstowe pier.James Craft, of Felixstowe's Glemsford Close, and Alistair Donohoe, of Red House Close, Trimley St Martin, each admitted to charges of assault by beating and provoking violence.

A ROW over a dropped bag of chips led two 18-year-old youths to beat up their victim in Felixstowe pier.

James Craft, of Felixstowe's Glemsford Close, and Alistair Donohoe, of Red House Close, Trimley St Martin, each admitted to charges of assault by beating and provoking violence.

Godfried Duah, prosecuting, told South East Suffolk Magistrates court on Tuesday that an argument broke out after a packet of chips was dropped – and the victim was blamed.

He said: "There was a verbal altercation. Punches were thrown by Mr Craft and Mr Donohoe. The third man – who has already been charged – picked up a pool cue and violently assaulted the victim.

"This is an attack by a group on an individual. Mr Craft, with two associates, including Mr Donohoe, decided to assault the victim."

The victim, who was not named, suffered cuts, swelling and bruises.

Bench chairwoman Anne Parry said: "This is a very serious offence. There was an element of premeditation, there was a victim, it was in a public place and, Mr Craft, you have a previous conviction for a serious offence."

The two men were sentenced to a 7pm - 7am curfew and were ordered to both pay £75 compensation to each victim.

Craft's curfew will last for four months and Donohoe's for three.