A GANG member who attacked another man in a nightclub has avoided jail after a court heard he had since turned his life around.

But a judge warned Antioni Posteraro, 19, of Hector Road, Darwen, that he would be sent to prison if he returned to his old ways.

Posteraro, who was involved in a local gang known as ‘Live and let die’, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding after the attack in the Roxy nightclub which left his victim needing two operations.

He was sentenced to a community order involving two years supervision, and he was also ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work for the community.

He was also subjected to a three month curfew requiring him to be at home between the hours of 9pm and 7am.

Judge Charles Mahon told him: "Either you take this opportunity or you will go and knock on the prison door yourself."

He warned Posteraro that if he breached the order, he would go to jail.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, told the court victim Daniel Waddicor was at the Roxy nighclub on April 5 when he was head butted in an incident on the dance floor which had nothing to do with Posteraro.

Later he was surrounded by a group which included the defendant who raised his right arm. "The next thing he recalled was blood pouring from his face and Posteraro laughing," said Mr Lamberty.

Mr Waddicor sustained a "serious injury to his left eye" and had to have two operations and a small tube inserted in his tear duct.

Since the incident he had lost confidence and was frightened about going out into the town centre.

Mr Lamberty said Posteraro had previous convictions for wounding, assault relating to violence on the streets when he was a gang member.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Posteraro was terrified of losing his liberty, and the attack was not premeditated.

Mr Stuart said Posteraro had ceased his involvement in that gang and had worked in the community. He was doing well and police were impressed by his progress as were The Youth Offending Team.

Posteraro's father now had a grip on him and he was not allowed to go out drinking.