A MAN out shopping with his partner was assaulted and subjected to homophobic abuse by a group of teenagers.

Blackburn magistrates heard one of the youths played a leading role in the assault but at one stage Jordan Richard Moore joined in and landed a punch on the side of the other man’s head.

Moore, 20, of Auxilium Housing, Islington, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was remanded on bail until August 24 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

The court was told the co-defendant had appeared previously and been sent to the crown court to be sentenced.

Paul Sumner, prosecuting, said the youths followed the victim and his partner as they left the Tesco store in Accrington on May 1 last year.

The aggrieved suffered from borderline personality disorder and he could feel himself getting “triggered.”

“The youths asked why he was getting angry and made homophobic comments,” said Mr Sumner.

The other assailant punched the aggrieved twice before Moore landed a punch. The victim was knocked to the floor where he was punched again.

Peter King, defending, said there was a massive distinction to be drawn between his client and the co-defendant.

“The other youth made the initial threats, made the homophobic comments and struck the initial and most of the subsequent blows,” said Mr King.

“My client’s only physical involvement was to strike him once.”