Two brothers who were found guilty of criminal damage and affray, and one of grievous bodily harm, were sentenced on Friday.

Patrick Lennon, 24, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm, affray and criminal damage on July 13 following a trial at St Albans Crown Court.

On Friday he was sentenced to 12 years for the charge of grievous bodily harm, four years for affray and 18 months for criminal damage, all to run concurrently. James Lennon, 18, was found guilty of affray and criminal damage and was sentenced to 18 months.

Both men were arrested on Sunday, December 18, 2011, after an early morning row with a neighbour outside an address in St Leonards Crescent, Sandridge, turned violent.

Patrick Lennon attacked the victim, 30-year-old Nick Chesham, after he challenged the brothers when he saw them vandalising his car.

The brothers returned to their home and Patrick Lennon came back out with two knives.

Mr Chesham received a cut to his neck and a wound to his left arm, which required intensive treatment due to nerve and vascular damage.

James Lennon was arrested by officers at the scene and his brother Patrick was later found hiding in the loft of his home in St Leonards Crescent.

After the sentencing, investigating officer DC Neil Sutton paid tribute to the eight witnesses who gave their testimony in very difficult circumstances.

He said: "Without them we would not have got these convictions and I would like to thank them for their help with this case, which ultimately led to this successful outcome.

"The effect that these brothers had on the community in which they lived was immense and I am very pleased that justice has finally been served."

Chief Inspector for St Albans Simon Warwick added: "This was an isolated issue which we worked hard with our partner agencies and the local residents to resolve.

"I would like to commend the victim for his bravery and thank the witnesses for their support in this case.

"We take anti-social behaviour very seriously and we will always take action where appropriate.

"Many issues can be resolved quickly if officers are able to intervene early, so if there is neighbourhood issue developing we would always urge local residents to contact us as soon as possible before a situation gets out of hand."