ONE of three youths involved in an attack which left their victim with a smashed jaw needing surgery, is behind bars.
Burnley Crown Court heard how drunken victim Scott Morton, 18, was injured after Christopher Brown, 18, David Harrington, 19 and Lucas Schofield, 16, took turns to punch him in the face outside a Chinese restaurant in Padiham. Each struck him repeatedly.
Mr Morton, who had earlier been celebrating passing his theory driving test at a family barbecue, was still attacked when he was on the ground but managed to get himself back on his feet. Brown then posed as a sympathiser but hit him in the face "full whack."
The court was told the victim, who also suffered two black eyes as well as having to have a metal plate inserted into his jaw, worried about his job because of time he had to have off work and his confidence in going to Padiham, where his friends lived, had been affected.
Harrington, who claimed he had fought with Mr Morton, but it ended amicably, was sent to prison for six months.
He had been subject to a referral order at the time.
Schofield, who had alleged he hit Mr Morton after he spat on his chips, was given 100 hours unpaid work and a three month 7pm to 7am curfew.
Brown, who said he had tired to stop the trouble, got a four month prison sentence, suspended for a year.
Brown, of Warwick Drive, Padiham, Harrington, of Sackville Street, Brierfield, and Schofield, of Oat Street, Padiham, who a judge said could be named, all admitted affray.
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