THIS WEEK IN 1986: Gang went to mass after a punch-up

A gang member who allegedly assaulted a group of sailors on Christmas Eve went to midnight mass with blood on his boots, Portsmouth Magistrates Court was told. About a dozen youths picked on five sailors without the slightest provocation, it was alleged.

‘It was Christmas Eve – the season of goodwill towards men and women, but clearly, not towards sailors in Lee-on-Solent,’ said Stephen Parish, prosecuting.