A NELSON man was part of a gang who beat up a victim after walking uninvited into his home, Burnley magistrates heard.

Daniel Machin, 23, did not land any blows, but was said to have gone either to encourage the attack or assist by his presence, the court was told.

He held the victim, who suffered bruises, tenderness and was bleeding, down while a youth hit him, the court heard.

The defendant, of Carlton Street, Nelson, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, on August 17.

Machin, who has a previous conviction for attempted robbery, was given a 12 months conditional discharge, with £30 costs.

Ben Leach, defending, said Machin had held down the victim with one arm and pushed the attacker off with the other.

He told the attacker enough was enough and told him to leave the property.

The defendant, now working at Express Gifts, apologised.

He should not have been at the house and did not realise the seriousness of his actions when he went there with the others, magistrates were told.