TWO Aberystwyth brothers who attacked a man outside McDonald’s were warned they were developing reputations as troublemakers in a town where it was difficult to hide.

Leigh Ward, 20 and Connor Ward, 18, of Cae Job, Penparcau, were given suspended prison sentences after admitting unlawfully wounding Philip James Brown on 29 July.

Connor Ward also admitted affray.

They were made the subject of 10-month prison sentences, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work for the community.

The pair were also told to complete 10 days of a rehabilitation activity and to obey a 8pm to 6am curfew for the next 12 weeks.

Swansea Crown Court heard how Mr Brown and two friends had played golf at Capel Bangor before heading into Aberystwyth for drinks.

Judge Geraint Walters said it was not clear what had triggered the violence, but CCTV footage clearly showed the two men kicking and hitting Mr Brown as he lay on the ground outside the fast food restaurant.

And Connor Ward could be seen chasing away a friend of Mr Brown’s.

Janet Gedrych, representing Connor Ward, said that at first his involvement had been to try and pull a man away from his brother but the situation escalated.

Tom Scapens, for Leigh Ward, said he had been living a life of hanging around street corners, shoplifting and breaking into commercial premises.

For some reason, he added, Leigh Ward was not in work or claiming benefits.

Judge Geraint Walters said Aberystwyth was a small place where “people soon get to know who the troublemakers are”.

“Do you want that reputation? It’s a hard place to hide away in,” added the judge. “This was a shameful, ugly scene.”