A "CARING teenager", who attacked and seriously injured his "drunken father-in-law" in the street has walked free from court after a judge described the case as a family tragedy.

Burnley Crown Court heard that James Hamilton's victim Colin Idiens suffered "dreadful consequences" from the beating, which were not intended by the defendant because he contracted the superbug MRSA in hospital and complications set in.

He had major surgery three times and had part of his bowel removed after the assault in Blackburn, on February 1. Mr Idiens spent more than two months in hospital - but yet did not want Hamilton to go to jail.

Hamilton, 19, was given 180 hours community punishment and was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation.

Judge Andrew Gilbart, QC, said Hamilton, who had been angry after Mr Idiens injured his girlfriend's mother, had snapped, but his behaviour was wholly out of character and was unlikely to be repeated.

Judge Gilbart said Mr Idiens was recovering and the two men were trying to reconcile.

He added that Mr Idiens reported the defendant, who had gone "overboard" in the altercation, had visited him in hospital, had apologised and was very sorry.

Hamilton, of Pilmuir Road, Blackburn, had admitted grievous bodily harm.

The court was told Mr Idiens had a drink problem which could lead to violence between himself and those who lived with him.

He had been to party and had too much alcohol. The defendant left, was sober and went home.

In the early hours he was told Adele Alston, his girlfriend's mother, had suffered injury at Mr Idiens' hands - and not for the first time.

Hamilton was angry, went to look for him and a fight started. Hamilton, younger and fitter than his victim, went too far and punched and kicked Mr Idiens.

Suzanne Goddard, prosecuting, said Mr Idiens underwent three operations and a small part of his bowel was removed.

After the final surgery his condition rapidly improved and he was discharged from hospital on April 30.

Philip Holden, defending, said nothing he could say was meant to detract from the fact Mr Idiens received very serious injuries.

Had the attack been unprovoked, Hamilton's position would be very much different.