A MAN who flailed his belt around as a weapon in a drunken brawl outside a lap-dancing club has been jailed after failing to keep to his probation appointments.

Aaron Gleed was handed a four-month suspended jail term in January after a judge heard he had given up the booze and was trying to mend his ways.

But after failing to engage with the probation service, the court found no other option but to send the 26-year-old to prison.

Tessa Hingston, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court the incident started in Fleet Street, Swindon, on June 6 last year.

“A member of door staff at Fantasy nightclub made a telephone call to police about a disorder which was taking place outside,” she said.

“By the time the police arrived it was all over, but when CCTV was viewed it was apparent what was going on.”

She said there were two groups of people in the street, with Gleed in one, and Mark Dennis in the other.

“After a lot of posturing, and being egged on by their friends, both men are seen to take off their belts as they move along the road,” Ms Hingston added.

“The doorman said the behaviour was shocking. Having seen the CCTV, I concur. Both are using belts, flailing the buckle end.”

She said the violence went on for about 20 minutes with the men also grappling and trying to punch each other.

Gleed, of Frobisher Drive, Walcot, pleaded guilty to affray. Dennis was not prosecuted as he received a lengthy jail term for other matters soon after.

At the earlier hearing, Judge Peter Blair QC said: “Not only are you a nuisance when drunk and quite frightening, I imagine, to people having fun on a night out, but you are doing yourself a disservice.”

Jailing Gleed on Wednesday, he said: “It is a great disappointment to me, having given you the opportunity to avoid receiving a prison sentence, but you have not engaged adequately and you will go to prison for 12 weeks.

“You are likely to be released around the half way stage if you are not in custody for any other matters.”