VIOLENCE erupted and several people were injured after a birthday party at a social club, a court heard.

One of the victims, Benjamin Findlay suffered a fractured eye socket and cheekbone and needed an operation to correct the damage.

A judge told the five Medway men responsible they deserved custodial sentences but decided on community orders after seeing they were “capable of responsible behaviour”.

George Walsh, David Harwood, Kieron Dowley, Johnnie Byrne and Sean Salmon were ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work.

They will also have to pay £370 costs and Mr Findlay £500 compensation – a total of £870 each.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC said at Maidstone Crown Court: “Never come back to court again. If you do, you will be in serious trouble. If you breach the order, you will be going through a different door than you are now.”

The court heard that the five had gone to the 18th birthday party of Sean Bogle at a social club in Hoo on November 21, 2003.

Peter Alcock, prosecuting, said the trigger incident was when another guest, Daniel Harwood, was struck on the head with a bottle.

There were then assaults in the car park on Mr Findlay, his girlfriend Louise Knowles and Ryan Conroy.

Mr Alcock said a crowd gathered and the five men responsible left the taxi they were in, as one shouted: “Come on, let’s have it.”

As well as a fractured left eye socket and cheekbone, Mr Findlay suffered swollen ribs and chipped teeth. Mr Conroy had two black eyes and cuts and Miss Knowles, who was cowering over Mr Findlay, an injured hand.

Some of the incident was caught on security cameras.

Walsh, 21, of Beechwood Avenue, Chatham; Harwood, 20, of Stafford Street, Gillingham; Dowley, 20, of Harptree Drive, Walderslade; Byrne, 20, of Compton Close, Lordswood, Chatham, and Salmon, 20, of Evergreen Close, Hempstead, near Gillingham, all admitted affray.