A judge has described the behaviour of two soldiers as “disgraceful” and “inexcusable” but has given them a second chance.

Tom Wainwright, 23, and Mathew Haigh, 22, were arrested after a struggle with two officers from the Royal Military Police at Fashion cafe, in Queen Street, Colchester.

The soldiers, who are both from Merville Barracks, Colchester, admitted charges of affray after being involved in a fight earlier that evening.

Wainwright also admitted two charges of assault by battery for resisting arrest.

Judge David Turner said: “It should not have happened, it was inexcusable, and in your cases has resulted in you awaiting sentence with your careers on the line.

“This was disgraceful behaviour as you both now accept.

“Fortunately, no-one sustained any serious injuries although the distress obviously manifested itself in the two victims.”

The soldiers had been out on the town on February 6, 2017, when a disagreement broke out between them and another group.

A fight broke out which left one man floored by a punch and a woman with a bloody nose.

Later the same night, two Royal Military Police officers attempted to detain Wainwright, who resisted arrest.

Frank O’Toole, mitigating, said: “This was a disgraceful incident, both defendants accept that in every way by not attempting to mitigate or justify their actions. They are ashamed of themselves.”

Both men were given credit for early guilty pleas and were supported at the hearing by Major Andrew Fox.

Judge Turner said: “You are both committed soldiers and you both have exemplary records of service.

“You have never been in any trouble before with the civil or military authorities.

“I want to see both of your careers continue and see you put this upsetting incident behind you and continue to service your regiments and us all as you have done for the rest of your careers.”

Wainwright will complete 240 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,050 in costs and compensation. Haigh will complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £250 in costs.

A third man, Gareth Barrow, 26, was cleared of affray in March.