A JILTED boyfriend launched a 'violent and unprovoked' crowbar attack on his ex-girlfriend and her friend with his new partner and her sister.

Jonathan Michael Pannett, 29, of Mallory Walk, Brooklands, admitted violent disorder and criminal damage and was jailed for 18 months.

Amy Copeland, 20, of Wythenshawe Road, Northern Moor, admitted violent disorder, criminal damage and assault.

Her sister Fay Copeland, 23, of the same address, admitted violent disorder and assault. Both received 12-month suspended sentences at Manchester crown court.

Crowbars

The two women victims, aged 22 and 21, were in a Toyota Corolla on Tunshill Road, Northern Moor, when they were forced to reverse into a cul-de-sac by an oncoming Land Rover driven by Pannett in March.

Amy Copeland was in the front and they were joined by Fay in a Renault Clio, the court heard.

Pannett and Amy Copeland - armed with crowbars - attacked the Toyota before the sisters violently attacked the two women inside.

Det Con Richard Lees said: "This was an extremely difficult case, compounded by the fact neither victim was willing to assist the investigation due to a genuine fear of reprisals.

"I think that fact alone speaks volumes about how threatened they felt and how dangerous all three defendants are.

"This incident also demonstrates that where a crime has been committed, and when a victim, for whatever reason, does not or cannot co-operate, we will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice."