A DRUNKEN brawl which spilled into the street outside a Trowbridge nightclub landed two brothers in court.

Stephen and Stewart Howell, of Church Fields, Studley Green, admitted obstructing police officers trying to break up the fight when they appeared in front of magistrates in Trowbridge.

Stephen Howell's fiance Michelle Maslen, of Fore Street, also appeared in court and admitted a charge of being drunk and disorderly

The court heard how police were called to Wicker Hill to deal with a fight outside Club Blue nightclub between 27-year-old Maslen and another girl.

Prosecutor Richard Thomas said Maslen refused to let go of the other girl's hair, despite being repeatedly asked by police, and was eventually handcuffed.

She smelt strongly of drink and police officers noticed her eyes were glazed and speech was slurred.

Stephen Howell, 20, then approached the police officer and tried to grab Maslen, pulling her away from the scene, saying "She's my fiance, I am not going anywhere without her."

Stuart Howell, 19, was also arrested when he tried to help his brother, barging past another police officer to get to the scene.

John Elliott, defending Maslen and both the Howell brothers, said the fight started when Maslen was punched and hit by another girl.

He said the brothers had reacted strongly because they were "fired up by what had happened".

Both admitted the offences in interview.

Mr Elliott said Maslen had a history of depression and was undergoing counselling to overcome her problems with money.

Magistrates ordered Stephen and Stuart Howell to pay a fine of £100 and prosecution costs of £55.

Maslen was ordered to pay a £30 fine and £55 costs.