TWO brothers have been cleared of breaking a man's jaw in an alleged attack after a New Year's Eve party more than 18 months ago.

A judge directed the jury at Bradford Crown Court yesterday to find Nicholas and Christopher Sanderson not guilty of causing Scott Roberts grievous bodily harm with intent.

The judge said the case against them was inconsistent, full of gaps and it was not safe to leave it to a jury.

Nicholas Sanderson, 25, and Christopher Sanderson, 23, both of Norristhorpe Avenue, Liversedge, were accused of kicking Mr Roberts outside a house in Griffe Drive, Wyke, Bradford, in the early hours of January 1, 2013.

Mr Roberts had surgery on a broken jaw but a hospital consultant said his injury could have been sustained in a fall.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC said Mr Roberts' recollection of events that night was not consistent.

The brothers were discharged from the dock when they were acquitted at the close of the prosecution case.