TWO drunken brothers who subjected a man one thought had abused a child to a "thorough beating" have been jailed for three years.

Ex-soldier Andrew Ray, 49 and Richard Ray, 46, left David Howlett in a pool of blood outside his Blackburn home at midnight after kicking him unconscious.

Lavelle Lee -- Mr Howlett's partner and Richard Ray's former wife -- alerted police, telling them there was blood everywhere and the brothers were trying to kill him, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Richard Ray, of Sycamore Avenue, Burnley, and his co-defendant, of Lytham Road, Blackburn, admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm in February.

Bob Elias, prosecuting, told the court there had been an allegation the victim had acted in an inappropriate way towards a girl. It seemed maybe Richard Ray was the actual figure of suspicion and police made some enquiries.

Mr Howlett had gone to bed when Richard Ray arrived at his front door and started banging on it. He went to speak to him and was confronted by the defendant. Andrew Ray then approached from behind and hit Mr Howlett in the face.

Elizabeth Brennan, defending Richard Ray, said he was in no way responsible for any abuse of the girl. Ian Whitehurst, defending Andrew Ray, said he felt he had let himself and his family down.