Three men jailed for gang fight

The court heard the row had spanned a long period of time

Three men have been jailed following an outbreak of fighting in Dundee during which a shotgun was fired by an unknown masked man.

Michael Anderson, 28, was given 25 months, Christopher Anderson, 24, was sentenced to 23 months and Dennis Cox, 21, was jailed for 18 months.

They had been involved in a gang fight in which baseball bats and other weapons were used.

The court was told the dispute stemmed from a rivalry between two families.

The Andersons and Cox had all admitted committing a breach of the peace in Longtown Place on 28 August last year.

Covered faces

Advocate depute Derick Nelson earlier told the court that there had been previous difficulties between members of the Anderson family and another family, the Kerrs.

On the day of the fight the Andersons and a group of friends carrying bats, batons and bladed weapons challenged George Kerr and others to fight

Some of the Kerrs picked up weapons and blows were exchanged.

Members of the Anderson faction then went back to their car and windows in the vehicle were smashed before it was driven off quickly.

Later the Andersons returned with several other men. Many had covered their faces with scarves and hoods and some were carrying weapons.

The ran towards the Kerr group challenging them to fight. During the confrontation an unknown male was seen to raise a shotgun and fire it.

Neighbours called 999 after hearing the shot and police arrived on the scene. Search teams later found a large number of weapons.

Maurice Smyth, solicitor advocate for Christopher Anderson, told the court: "George Kerr and his family appear to regard the area as his fiefdom."

He said not only were the accused involved but "other members of the community joined in a form of protest".

Solicitor advocate Ian Paterson, for Michael Anderson, said his client now very much regretted getting involved in the incident and intended to move from the Mid Craigie area.