FOUR people were injured outside a takeaway in Hereford after a crowd of drunken yobs launched attacks, a court heard.

One victim was suffering from multiple sclerosis and another was registered disabled.

A retired police officer who was on crutches bravely tried to intervene in the late-night fracas.

The trouble began after one lout launched a flying kick at a window of the Mee Mei takeaway in St Martin's Street, Hereford.

Disabled owner Sui To, his wife Kim and 15-year-old son Chi Ming were all hurt as they clashed with the gang.

Mrs Erica Davies, landlady of the nearby Saracens Head pub and an MS victim, was grabbed by the wrists and left bruised, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Judge Andrew Geddes said it was a typical example of drunken hooligans spoiling country towns at weekends.

He jailed 21-year-old Anthony McQuaid, of Hinton Road, Hereford, for nine months.

Martin Hedley, 20, of Charles Witts Avenue, Hereford, was given nine months detention in a young offenders' institution and Gareth McCauley, 21, of Phocle Farm, Phocle Green, Ross-on-Wye, was jailed for six months.

Prosecutor Stephen Thomas said the trio - who all admitted affray - were wending their way through the city centre on May 16 last year after celebrating a football match.

Mrs Davies saw the window kicked - and the loud noise brought out Mr To armed with a broom. He asked them what they were doing and was knocked to the ground.

His wife's head was banged against a wall. She had teeth loosened, was bleeding from the mouth and needed hospital treatment.

Their son tried to protect his mother but was punched six times in the head. His ear was cut by a ring.

Mr Thomas said Philip Bates, an injured policeman, had followed the trio. McQuaid grabbed one of his crutches and tried to throw it in the river.

McCauley stayed at the scene when police arrived. His accomplices fled.

His barrister Gareth Walters said he had second thoughts about their behaviour and tried to calm the situation down.

Miss Tracy Lloyd-Nesling, for Hedley, said it was a moment of drunken stupidity which had cost him a great deal.

Nicolas Cartwright, for McQuaid, said he came from a respectable family but his behaviour had run contrary to his normal standards.

Judge Geddes said all three men had worked hard in their careers and added: "For you this is an absolute tragedy, which will seriously affect your lives."