FOUR men involved in violent scenes during disorders at Burnley last summer have been jailed for a total of six years.

Preston Crown Court heard how they were outside the town's Turf pub in June when clashes occurred with police.

Video footage was shown at a sentencing hearing as the four were all dealt with for violent disorder, which they admitted.

Last month the same judges handed out sentences totalling more than 56 years to 26 others involved in disorders that same weekend.

Stephen Smith, 49, of Hollingreave Road, Burnley, was given two-and-a-half years jail. Keiron Brown, 26, of St Cuthbert Street, Burnley received 18 months while a third man, Richard Summersgill, 37, of Rose Cottage, Bradley, near Skipton, was jailed for a year and Kevin Rooney, 19, of Todmorden Road, Burnley, was given 12 months youth custody.

The court heard that Smith had, by his continued presence, showed support and encouragement for others as they abused and threatened Asians. Outside the Turf pub he was in the front rank of a 'mob' shouting abuse and threats. He was seen breaking up a stool to possibly use as a weapon. The defendant threw a missile at the police line.

Mr David Pickup, prosecuting, said Smith also kicked out towards police and used violence.

Brown was described as having stood by a group at the pub as the police line advanced. He grabbed at a police shield and threw a bottle towards police.

Summersgill did not become involved at the pub, until others did. He was said to have "reacted with force and enthusiasm," pushing and kicking at the police line.

Rooney had been at the back of a group of people while missiles were thrown at police. He himself then threw a bottle. Tony Cross, defending Smith, Brown and Rooney, said they felt ashamed of themselves. They realised that custody sentences were likely to follow.

Dennis Watson, for Summersgill, said he had helped organise a charity fun day, a multi-cultural community event. It was also his birthday at the time.

He had not been looking for trouble when he got involved.

Judge Peter Openshaw QC, said it was entirely unrealistic to see their actions in isolation.

"They can only be seen as part of the behaviour of the mob as a whole."

At the previous sentencing hearing the judge said the disturbances had damaged the whole fabric of the community with the shockwaves felt in other towns and cities, particularly in the North.