FESTERING love rivalry erupted into violence at a Leominster car park. Hereford Crown Court heard how an assault arose out of anger at a 'one-night stand' a year earlier.

Justin Jones and Benjamin Cox attacked the man who had that 'stand' with Cox's sister.

She was Jones's partner and Jones was in prison at the time.

The brawl at the Safeway superstore car park in Baron's Cross saw the victim kicked and stamped about the head having been put to the ground.

Jones, 27, of Cheaton Close, Leominster, was jailed for nine months and 20-year-old Cox of Coningsby Road, Leominster, received nine months youth custody. Both admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Glyn Samuel, prosecuting, said Jones had harboured resentment toward the victim since his partner told him of their 'one-night stand' in July 2001.

A 'stand' the victim initially denied.

Subsequent meetings between Jones and victim passed without incident, said Mr Samuel. But that changed during the car park clash one night in March 2002 when what started as a 'heated discussion' soon flared into a fight.

Jones, said Mr Samuel, accepted using 'excessive force' during that fight. Cox kicked at and stamped on the victim's head.

Both men now realised they had been 'rather stupid' and had kept out of trouble since, said Dele Alakija, defending.

In sentencing, Mr Recorder Cliff said Jones and Cox engaged in a level and type of violence that usually resulted in custody.