AN Ely teenager who got involved in a city centre brawl escaped a jail sentence this week, after telling a court that he wants to be a policeman. Magistrates had originally told 18-year-old Jake McAllister that he could be sent to prison for his part in t

AN Ely teenager who got involved in a city centre brawl escaped a jail sentence this week, after telling a court that he wants to be a policeman.

Magistrates had originally told 18-year-old Jake McAllister that he could be sent to prison for his part in the incident.

But after reading a report about McAllister, the court decided he should carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £60 costs.

"This bench will not tolerate this type of behaviour in Ely late at night," said presiding magistrate at Ely courthouse, Janet South.

McAllister's solicitor Claire Bennett told the court: "Having the prospect of custody looming over his head for the last three weeks has had a sobering effect. It has been a sufficient incentive to keep him out of trouble in the future."

Prosecutor Ella McCluskey told how the fight broke out in Market Street around 11.30pm on September 15.

"When McAllister arrived, there was a brawl taking place," she said. "He entered the brawl waving his arms about, punching and kicking.

"He walked into the crowd, punched an unknown male and kicked an unknown male. His involvement was not so much as others, but CCTV clearly showed him punching and kicking."

McAllister, of Bentham Way, had earlier admitted affray.

Miss Bennett added: "He accepts responsibility and his looking to put this behind him."

n Co-defendant Lee Creak, 20, of High Barns, Ely, had also admitted affray. Sentencing has been adjourned until December 20.