A HEROIN addict has been found guilty of leaving a teenager fighting for his life after kicking him in the head.

Gino Hargreaves had to be put into a medically-induced coma for eight days as his body battled to recover from the brain hemorage he sustained when Kieron Chatburn attacked him.

The jury at Preston Crown Court had heard how the 15-year-old was walking home from an underage disco at Blackburn's Liquid and Envy nightclub in October last year when he got into conversation with 30-year-old Chatburn.

A Hancock Street resident then heard the ‘sound of someone being beaten up’ and looked out of the window to see Gino lying motionless on the ground in Coleridge Street.

Chatburn then hit the Witton High School pupil to the head, before kicking him, the court heard.

Gino was found by two plain clothes police officers and although an ambulance was called he initially refused medical help.

He later collapsed at his Sandon Street home and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital before being transferred to Salford's Hope Hospital. He then underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.

Gino, now 16, had to remain in hospital for several months and still suffers from memory and mobility problems.

Following an eight-day trial, father-of -three Chatburn, of Hamlet Close, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He will be sentenced on Tuesday July 30.

After the case, Detective Inspector Pete Broome, from the Lancashire police's force major investigation team, said: “I am pleased with the verdict, not only for the investigation team, but for Gino and his family.

“This was an appalling and senseless attack on a defenceless young man who sustained life-threatening injuries. It was completely unprovoked and to this day no real motive has been offered for this mindless assault, making it all the more futile.

“Gino has shown immense courage and determination throughout this investigation and I would like to pay tribute to his strength of character."

• The jury could not agree a verdict in respect of Stuart Hartley, 25, of St Thomas Street , Blackburn, who was also charged with grievous bodily harm. A decision will be made on Monday whether he will face a re-trial.