Graham Russell: Gremilns' ringleader

The scene of the fight was left covered in pools of blood and weapons were found scattered around.

Some of the defendants were recorded on CCTV, and most of those arrested were carrying mobile telephones.

The calls and bills were checked and it was found that the two gangs had been ringing each other throughout the day to arrange the fight.

Superintendent Keith Felton from the Tynemouth area command, Northumbria Police, said: "This is a very successful conclusion to what has been a difficult and protracted inquiry.

This has been a harrowing ordeal for all the innocent people caught up in this

Superintendent Keith Felton, Northumbria Police

"It was one of the largest ever cases dealt with in Northumbria involving conspiracy to commit violent disorder relating to football violence.

"This has been a harrowing ordeal for all the innocent people caught up in this - the passengers on the ferry, those working on the ferry and the employees and public working in the North Shields pubs.

"We were determined to bring those responsible to justice, and though it has been a long road, we have done that."

War veteran

Jameson, from Monkwearmouth, Wearside, led the Sunderland gang, and Russell, from Cullercoats, North Tyneside, led the Newcastle gang.

One of the leading members of the Gremlins, John Sharp, 39, is a former Royal Navy diver and veteran of the Falklands war.

He was jailed for 18 months.

A variety of jail and other sentences were handed down to 25 others, while sentence against a further two men was adjourned.

A reporting ban was imposed during the trial, which began in October has been held in several stages at Teesside and Newcastle Crown Courts.