TWO men involved in a brawl after a funeral wake - which ended with a mourner's nose being bitten off - were yesterday sentenced for their part in the fight.

James Callaghan, aged 27, of Nicholas Street, Pontypool, had his nose bitten off after violence flared in the town after a funeral on October 29.

Roy Taylor, (pictured) aged 55, of Channel View, Penygarn, Pontypool, was found guilty of violent disorder after a trial last week and appeared before Cardiff crown court for sentence yesterday.

He was fined £150 and ordered to pay £50 costs. His son, Roy Alan Taylor, a father of five, of Caerwent Road, Trevethin, is already serving a three-year jail term after jurors convicted him of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Callaghan.

And a prosecution witness during the Taylors' trial - Nicholas Peploe - was yesterday sentenced to a community rehabilitation order for two years, for his role in the fight. Peploe, aged 28, of Oak Court, Pontypool, admitted a charge of affray, saying he went to the aid of Mr Callaghan.

Mr Justice John Royce told Taylor that his role in the incident was limited and for the most part he tried to break the fracas up.

He told Peploe: "I give you credit for your guilty plea and for being prepared to give evidence.

"However, it is clear from the evidence I heard that you were involved in sustained violence. The police had enormous difficulty in stopping you."

He said the police had to use CS spray, which had "virtually no effect" on Peploe. Defending Peploe, Hugh Wallace said: "Peploe saw his friend suffering the most awful injury - having his nose bitten off. Most people would have behaved in the way Peploe did."

Prosecutor Martin Kelly told the court that violence broke out in High Street, Pontypool, when the mourners began to attack each other.

When the police arrived they saw that Mr Callaghan had suffered a "quite horrific injury". Taylor junior had bitten his nose off, as well as biting the middle and index fingers of his left hand.

Meirion Davies, representing Taylor senior, said he had problems with his heart, back and knee, and was of little or no risk to public safety. Peploe was also ordered to pay costs of £100.