TWO brothers were attacked when a pool game ended in violence at Barnoldswick Conservative Club, a court was told.

Lucas Fitzgerald ended up with a smashed arm while his brother Lee was pinned against the wall and hit when Sean Costelloe armed himself with a cue and took it to them both, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Costelloe, who struck apparently for no reason after a false break in the brothers' game, was today starting a 15-month jail term.

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt said she was concerned by the fact there was no excuse and no explanation for his behaviour.

The judge said the defendant had picked up the cue by the thin end, using the thick end as a weapon.

She was worried the only explanation seemed to be that he had been drunk.

Judge Lunt continued: "Many people in this country get drunk without turning violent."

She added the defendant had five previous convictions for violence and she had had to consider if he posed a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public.

Costelloe, of North Street, Barnoldswick, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm, last August.

The judge made no order for costs or compensation.

The court had been told the brothers had gone to the club for a quiet drink after work, had been playing pool and there had been a false break.

The defendant suddenly pinned Lee Fitzgerald against the wall, got a pool cue, went towards both victims and hit Lee Fitzgerald on the head leaving him suffering cuts.

He then turned his attentions to Lucas Fitzgerald, hitting him and breaking his arm.