COMMENTS said to a gang walking past a seafront pub sparked a mass brawl with a man stabbed and a woman glassed, a court heard.

Conner Gore, Louis Hearn, George Johnson, Michael Nyathi and Louie Wilderspin walked by the victims outside Chinnery’s on Southend seafront and the row erupted after “something was said”.

The victim, who was stabbed, his mother and a second woman were then attacked during the incident last February.

Prosecuting Richard Scott said: “Johnson throws a drink over a woman and smashed the glass over her head and another woman comes out brandishing a pool cue.

“All defendants have a range of previous convictions including violent disorder, robbery, possession of drugs and possession of a knife.

“Gore was involved in an assault and attack of the victim and he punched a woman.

“The victim throws a drink at Louie Wilderspin who then stabs him.”

Mitigating for Gore, 23, of Blenheim Chase, Leigh, Kevin Toomey said: “While he grabs the woman she does it to him first. He has two small children and suffered severe mental health issues.”

Speaking for Johnson, 28, of Fielding Way, Westcliff, Mr Toomey added: “He acted idiotically and criminally and only gets involved at the end of the incident.”

Matthew Bagnal spoke for Hearn, 18, of Fraser Close, Shoebury, telling the court: “He’s working in the steel industry and, under the influence of his father has changed his path.”

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Mitigating for Nyathi, 21, of Steeplefield, Leigh, Meredoc McMinn said: “He reacts quickly and to his credit he withdraws himself.”

Sentencing the men, Judge Samantha Leigh said: “Something was said between Mr Hearne and the victim. There are punches, and then Mr Wilderspin pulls a knife and stabs the victim”

Gore was handed an eight month suspended sentence and told to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, Hearn received an eight month suspended sentence and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Johnson was handed a sentence of one year suspended and told to do £250 of unpaid work. Nyathi was given an immediate ten month sentence.

Wilderspin, 24, of Lottern Road, Canvey admitted wounding with intent to do GBH and is set to be back in court on Monday.