A university student and county footballer was today told that he had escaped jail by a "whisker" for his part in trouble in Oxhey.

Darren McKane, 19, was told by a judge that his behaviour outside a party at Oxhey Community Centre was "nothing short of disgraceful."

The privately-educated student, who is now studying at Nottingham Trent University, was involved in trouble on 21 June last year having drunk far too much, St Albans crown court heard on Friday.

The victims of the affray - one of who suffered a stab wound - were not looking for trouble and had gone to a car to smoke cannabis. Althought McKane was not responsible for the injuries caused, he had taken part in "egging on" the affray, which involved 30 youths.

McKane of Oakwood Drive, Bricket Wood appeared for sentence at St Albans crown court having been convicted of affray. He was of previous good character.

Alex Rose, defending, said McKane was a second year student at the University. Although he had pleaded not guilty, he now expressed remorse for his behaviour.

Judge Andrew Bright QC said: "This was an appalling piece of public disorder. You had had far too much to drink. As a result this made you aggressive towards the five occupants of the car. They had absolutely no intention of fighting or getting into trouble. Fortunately the victims have made a full recovery.

"Your behaviour that night was nothing short of disgraceful."

The judge said he was suspending a custodial sentence because of his good character and "outstanding character" references presented to him. But he acknowledged that the victims of the affray would feel "aggrieved" that he was not going straight to custody.

He passed a 51 week sentence of detention in a Young Offenders' Institution suspended for two years and ordered him to complete 120 hours unpaid work.

McKane, who was privately represented, was also ordered to pay £3,500 costs.

The judge told him: "I you understand you have come within a whisker of going inside. You have just escaped and have to see this as a chance to start your life afresh."