Brierfield party punch-up pair spared jail

Burnley Crown Court heard how Robert Mitchell and Ashley Freer were set upon at a party at a house in Brierfield in February last year.

Mr Mitchell, who was sitting on a sofa in the living room, was repeatedly punched and kicked by Reece Richmond, Luke Driver and others.

Mr Freer tried to intervene to protect his friend and was hit several times by Driver. Both victims left and were further assaulted in the street. Mr Freer was taken to hospital, where it was found he had suffered a broken nose.

Driver (22), of Keighley Avenue, Colne, and Richmond (18), of Evelyn Street, Burnley, both admitted affray.

Driver, who has 20 offences on his record, had been jailed for 16 months for assault in February. He was given a nine-month community order with supervision and the controlling anger and learning to manage it programme.

Richmond received a 12-month rehabilitation order and 36 hours at an attendance centre. Both defendants must obey a 12-week, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.