TWO men have pleaded guilty to assault at the start of a trial into the death of Adam Rogers.

Antonio Ruiz-Clough, a 19-year-old soldier of Bridge Street, Rishton, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm on Nick Ellarby.

Jonathan David Seal, 20, of Cliff Street, Rishton, pleaded guilty to the same offence against Carl Rutherford.

The charges were in connection to an incident in Northgate, Blackburn, on July 5 last year in which 24-year-old Mr Rogers, of Dukes Brow, Blackburn, died.

The guilty pleas were entered on the first day of a trial at Preston Crown Court.

A third defendant, a 17-year-old from Rishton who cannot be named, denies the manslaughter of Mr Rogers.

A charge of violent disorder against all three defendants was not pursued by the prosecution.

Adam was a former pupil at St Bede’s RC High School, St Mary’s College in Blackburn and the University of Cumbria, where he took a degree in coaching and sports performance. He coached Padiham Ladies’ football team.

(Proceeding).