TWO men who launched a terrifying attack on a house on New Year’s Day have each been jailed for 10 months.

Luke Lynch and Christopher Price, both 20, were in a group of young men who laid siege to the property, smashing windows and kicking in the front door.

The mob had gone to the house in Pinehurst after Lynch had been involved in a fight with the home owner’s partner earlier that night.

A metal support for a fence post was thrown through the window, as well as stones, and the victim’s car was kicked by the yobs.

Other members of the group even managed to get into the house in Limes Avenue where they confronted the occupants, who have now left the town because of the incident.

The court heard that following the earlier fight Lynch had left and returned to the house where Nicholas Fowler lived with his partner.

Neighbours looked on in horror as the youths rained stones on the building and the metal implement was thrown through the front window, striking Mr Fowler.

He then battled to stop others entering the house, receiving cuts as he did so, while more youths kicked at the front door and threats of violence and abuse was shouted.

Tessa Hingston, prosecuting, said the householders had been left traumatised by what had happened and felt they had to leave the town.

Price pleaded guilty on the basis he went to the property knowing what was in store and threw stones.

Lynch said he had been assaulted earlier in the evening but could not recall what happened at the house.

Price, of Ferndale Road, and Lynch, of Meadowcroft, Upper Stratton, pleaded guilty to affray.

The court heard both had previous convictions for assault and twice breaching anti social behaviour orders and Price was on a community order at the time of the offence.

Rob Ross, defending, said he accepted the offence was so serious it deserved custody but said it took place more than 16 months ago. Since then he said neither man had re-offended and their lives had changed dramatically during that time.

He said Lynch was now in work and supporting a partner and child and Price was about to complete a bricklaying course.

Last year he said Price was almost killed when he was set upon by a group of men and stabbed in the stomach.

Mr Ross urged the judge not to send them to jail, saying they were carrying the can for others who were involved in the incident but had not been convicted.

Passing sentence Judge Euan Ambrose said: “This was on any view a disgraceful incident.

“In the early hours of New Year’s Day 2009 the two of you were part of a large group of young men who attacked a house and its occupants in Pinehurst, Swindon.

“The house was owned by Lisa Milligan and she lived there with her partner Nicholas Fowler.

“Earlier in the evening you Luke Lynch had been involved in an incident with Nicholas Fowler and blows were exchanged. You returned with a large group.”