TWO teenagers have been jailed for 18 months each after a street attack.

Aaron Dodd and Chesney Barlow, both aged 18, were sentenced at Chester Crown Court yesterday after being convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon following a trial.

The court heard that Dodd, of Gresty Road, Crewe, and Barlow, of Hall O'Shaw Street, Crewe, were in Claughton Avenue, Crewe, on June 9 last year, when they assaulted Matthew Gray.

Sion Ap Mihangel, prosecuting, said: "Dodd and Barlow were armed with a tree branch and a piece of wood and set upon Mr Gray, causing minor injuries."

Andrew McKinnes, defending Dodd, said: "He has had a difficult childhood during which he witnessed his father and stepfather in acts of violence against his mother.

"He is impulsive and doesn't think before he acts."

Jane Dagnall, representing Barlow, said: "He has also had some trouble in his life but he is showing signs of maturing."

The court was told Dodd has five previous convictions for offences including robbery, and Barlow has 12 for offences including robbery and assault.

The Recorder of Chester Judge Elgan Edwards, said: "You are both 18 years old with bad records. I don't regard either of you as dangerous yet but you are getting pretty close to it."