A 21-YEAR-OLD man was told he could consider himself fortunate not to be going to prison for two offences involving members of his family.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Daniel Bianncospino assaulted his second cousin after trying to provoke him into a fight.

On another occasion he took his father's car without permission then crashed it, causing extensive damage.

Bianncospino, of London Terrace, Blackburn, admitted assault, unauthorised taking of a car aggravated by damage caused, and driving without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence.

He was made subject to community supervision for two years, ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work, disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Pat Bramley, prosecuting, said the victim on the assault was a Mr Christapharo who was Biannco-spino's second cousin.

The aggrieved was walking into the town centre when he passed a Bianncospino who was with a group of males.

He shouted abuse at Mr Christapharo who walked on without looking back.

He became aware that Bianncospino was following him and turned down a back alley to try to avoid a confrontation.

Eventually Biannco-spino punched the other man twice in the face and when he put his arms up to protect himself, hit him about the head repeatedly.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said the assault was not totally unprovoked.