TWO gangs of late-night drinkers clashed in Melksham during a boozy night-out. Three people involved in the brawl appeared before magistrates in Trowbridge.

Chloe Spreadbury, 20, Mark King, 29, and Christian Richards, 29, all admitted being drunk and disorderly.

Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said two gangs clashed in the Market Place at about 1.30am on February 23.

Police saw a gang of seven women approaching a second gang of six youths.

Mr Ballinger said Spreadbury, of Bader Park, Bowerhill, was abusive towards the rival gang. The 20-year-old was also seen to kick a taxi door.

King, of Berryfield Park, Melksham, shouted and swore at the rival gang and was arrested after refusing to move away.

Richards, of Barnes Wallis Close, Bowerhill, was embroiled in the trouble when he pushed two women as they were protesting to police officers about their friend's arrest.

Spreadbury, defending herself, said: "I am very sorry. I do not normally behave in this manner. I was more drunk than normal."

King, defending himself, said he was trying to protect his girlfriend who had been assaulted by the rival girl gang in Buds bar earlier in the evening.

He said: "My girlfriend and her friend were being kicked by a gang of three to four girls.

"I wanted to know why the police were not doing anything."

Richards, also defending himself, said he was attacked by the girl gang members and was trying to protect himself and his girlfriend.

Spreadbury was fined £50, King was fined £30 and Richards was fined £40. All three were ordered to pay £55 costs.