A woman who fought back after bag-snatchers stole gifts from her murdered fianc has been sent to prison.

Hove Crown Court descended into chaos yesterday as American Express worker Cassie Watts was jailed for six months.

Paramedics were summoned when her mother Tracey collapsed in shock. Friends and family in the public gallery cried out in disbelief.

Watts' father Neil, 41, was also jailed after admitting a charge of causing grievous bodily harm. He tried to comfort his daughter as she was led howling to the cells.

The court was told Cassie Watts, 21, of Clyde Road, Brighton, had been mugged in Whitehawk, Brighton, in March last year.

In her handbag was jewellery given to her by 16-year-old Jay, a promising footballer killed in March 1999. She was cut and her clothes were torn.

When she returned home, her father Neil Watts and aunt Andrea Woolmer armed themselves with a baseball bat and lump of wood and went looking for the gang.

They caught up with Laura Garth, who was identified by Cassie Watts as one of her three attackers.

Lyall Thompson, prosecuting, said: "Mr Watts left to flag down a passing police van telling Cassie Miss Garth deserved a good kicking. Cassie laid into her, punching her in the head, back and body, fracturing her jaw and three attackers. Lyall Thompson, prosecuting, said: "Mr Watts left to flag down a passing police van telling Cassie Miss Garth deserved a good kicking. Cassie laid into her, punching her in the head, back and body, fracturing her jaw and causing grazes and bruising to her face."

Anthony Loder, defending Cassie and Neil Watts, said: "Cassie was in extreme distress and covered in blood.

"Mr Watts was there to protect his daughter and help her. He told the police exactly what his part had been and what he said to his daughter."

Addressing Neil Watts, Judge Issard-Davies said: "What you did was to begin a chapter of horror which ended in a young girl receiving very serious injuries. Three of you went out armed with bats and wood to take the law into your own hands. It must be made absolutely clear by the courts this simply cannot happen. Only a custodial sentence is appropriate."

Angry friends and family stormed out of the public gallery after hearing his comments.

One shouted: "How can you call that justice? It's a joke."

Woolmer, 40, of Fitzherbert Drive, was sentenced to 100 hours' community service and ordered to pay £500 compensation after admitting a charge of using threatening behaviour.

Cassie and Neil Watts, of Camber Close, Brighton, admitted causing grievous bodily harm.

Darren Mateer, 35, from Whitehawk, was jailed for life in 2000 for killing Jay.