A MUSIC fan who was locked up for his part in violence at an illegal rave deserved what he got, top judges said as they dismissed his appeal.

Thomas Pippin Moon Carling, 19, was one of a large group charged after violence flared when police tried to break up the rave in woods in Lincolnshire.

Carling, of Purleigh Road, Corsham, was seen throwing stones at police as they tried to dismantle equipment.

He handed himself in after seeing himself in postings on social media and admitted what he had done at the May 2015 event, when he said he had had too much to drink.

In July, he was sentenced to a year's youth custody after pleading guilty to violent disorder at Lincoln Crown Court.

He appealed against the sentence on the basis it was "manifestly excessive", but saw his case rejected by three top judges last Wednesday (dec 7).

Mr Justice Males said stern sentences aimed at deterring others from similar conduct were appropriate.

Carling appealed alongside two others, Glen More and Joshua Colman. More, 24, of Stroud, Gloucestershire, had also got 12 months, while Colman, 22, of Narborough, Norfolk, got 18 months.

Lawyers for Carling said he had been depressed due to his grandmother's illness, but had a job to go to when he is released.

Dismissing the appeals, Mr Justice Males said: "It's a matter of great regret when a person of good character takes part in criminal activity that is out of character and quickly regrets.

"That activity and the punishment that follows may cast a blight over the lives of those who are essentially, apart from this occasion, decent young people.

"We recognise the severe consequences for each of the three appellants. A single night of mindless violence may have long-term consequences.

"The fact this was mindless and carried out under the influence of alcohol or drugs was no excuse."

The court heard the illegal event in May 2015 attracted music fans from all over the country to the Twyford Woods, Colsterworth, near Grantham.

Entry was gained by cutting through gates and five sound stages were set up.

Police were called after reports of large gatherings in the woods and of vehicles being abandoned, blocking driveways and roads.

They served a notice, requiring those there to disperse, but had to move in en masse when that did not happen.

In attempting to dismantle the equipment, they were subjected to a barrage of missiles and abuse.

In total, 26 officers were injured, but none seriously, said Mr Justice Males, sitting today at London's Court of Appeal with Lord Justice Davis and Mr Justice Edis.

When the sun came up and everyone had gone, the Forestry Commission-owned site was strewn with litter and human excrement.