A HEREFORD teenager has come “within a whisker” of going to prison following his part in a city fight.

Lewis Williams was one of a number of youths who attacked three teens in the Aldi car park, near Whitecross, last August.

Hereford Crown Court heard how Williams, aged 18, kicked one victim, punched another and headbutted a third during the late-night fight, causing a broken nose, broken ribs and bruised cheekbones among the three.

Prosecutor Kerry Moreton said alcohol played a part.

Williams, of Wye Terrace, off Bridge Street, admitted three charges of causing actual bodily harm.

In his defence, Simon Rippon said his client had shown a “candid expression of shame”.

He said alcohol was involved but added that Williams didn’t go out drinking anymore.

Judge Richard Rundell said Williams showed an “unpleasant piece of sustained aggression”, having drunk far too much.

The “out of character” attack had led to him coming within a whisker of going to prison, he added.

Williams was given a two-year community order with a supervision requirement. He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work.

He will pay a total of £1,500 in compensation to the victims, and £290 costs.

■ At an earlier hearing two youths, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were given a referral order and conditional discharge respectively for their part in the attack.