BAD blood between families led to a fracas in a busy pub in which CS gas was sprayed, a court heard.

Father and son Saverio Barbieri and Michael Arkell, both of Semley Walk, Swindon, walked into the Wheatsheaf pub in Dores Road and sparked trouble on a Saturday night in April, Swindon Crown Court was told yesterday. When Arkell deployed his CS spray, stunned drinkers were forced to flee.

Barbieri, 45, admitted a charge of battery and Arkell, 22, admitted possessing a prohibited weapon and affray. The recorder Mr Tim Grice sentenced Barbieri to a 60 hour community punishment order and Arkell to 150 hours. The men were told to each pay £150 prosecution costs.

Prosecuting, Fergus Curry said there was "something of a history" between the two men and another family called Young.

He said that, after Barbieri entered the pub and punched Michael Young senior in the face, a struggle ensued in which Arkell sprayed CS gas.

"One customer said that afterwards each breath felt as if he'd swallowed a sand pit," said Mr Curry.

Defending, Andrew Hobson said: "Obviously there was, and still is, bad blood between this family and the defendants.

"The meeting at the Wheatsheaf was a chance meeting and not part of a feud. Barbieri was estimating there was going to be violence and got his response in first."