Twosoldiers have been told they have disgraced their regiment and country after being involved in violent confrontations following England's opening game of Euro 2004.

Ryan Hewson, 20, and David Rainer, 26, both of Kirkee McMunn Barracks, Colchester, admitted involvement in scenes in Colchester town centre on Sunday.

District judge David Cooper said at Colchester Magistrates' Court yesterday that the pair had dishonoured their Army units by their actions.

"You are both a disgrace to your regiments and your country due to your loutish behaviour," he said.

Hewson admitted a charge of causing fear of violence by using threatening behaviour and Rainer admitted a charge of causing harassment, alarm or distress by using threatening behaviour.

Christian Miekle, prosecuting, said Hewson was involved in a confrontation with police officers outside Yates' bar, Head Street, after England's match against France.

He said Hewson was abusive towards police and was arrested after kicking out at one officer.

Mr Miekle added Rainer was arrested after becoming aggressive and abusive towards door staff at Yates's after England lost the match.

Russell Haldane, mitigating for the pair, said while Hewson had been in Yates's, he was not one of the people involved in the confrontation with police.

He said Hewson had been removed by door staff from the bar, but got angry when he was stopped from going back in to tell friends he was going home.

"Momentarily he lost his temper and thereby lost his good character," said Mr Haldane.

He added Hewson, who is a gunner with 7 Para, had an exemplary Army record and had seen action in Iraq.

Hewson was fined £500, with £70 costs. Rainer was fined £250, with £70 costs.

Both were given football banning orders, which means they will not be able to enter Colchester town centre four hours either side of a game when England are playing, for a period of four years.

Published Friday June 18, 2004

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