A HUSBAND and wife were injured during an assault at their own home, a court was told.

Ian Elsworth was assaulted in his garden by Christian and Steven Niven in front of his hysterical wife Gail who thought her husband was going to be killed.

Burnley Crown Court heard how mother-of-three Mrs Elsworth had been expecting a quiet family night in and was in her pyjamas when she was caught up in the melee.

Steven Niven, 25, of Sowclough Road, Bacup, and his co-defendant, 22, of Osborne Terrace, Stacksteads, both admitted assaulting Mr Elsworth, causing actual bodily harm, in October 2011.

Steven Niven also pleaded guilty to assaulting Mrs Elsworth, causing her actual bodily harm.

Christian Niven received 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, with 100 hours unpaid work and supervision.

His brother was given a 12-month community order, with 160 hours unpaid work.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said Christian Niven was concerned someone connected with the Elsworths was dating a man considered to be in a relationship with his (Niven's) sister.

He arrived at the couple’s home in Osborne Terrace, Stacksteads, and Mr Elsworth sent him away.

A short time later, Niven returned with his brother and the pair confronted Mr Elsworth.

His wife went outside and, seeing her husband being assaulted, tried to protect him but was hit by Steven Niven.

She believed she blacked out briefly, but managed to get up and call the police.

Mrs Elsworth then watched from the window as her husband was punched and kicked.

Some of the incident was witnessed by neighbour Gary Wright.

Mr Elsworth suffered bruising and his wife had treatment for a bruised eye.

Christian Niven claimed Mr Elsworth grabbed him by the throat and pushed him into the garden.