A 38-YEAR-OLD Accrington man who took part in a "vicious and persistent" attack which left the victim with serious injuries is behind bars for four and a half years.

Burnley Crown Court heard how drunken Anthony Burnett and Allan Sturdy had been trying to persuade David Smith not to give evidence against a friend.

Mr Smith was threatened, punched, booted on the ground and left with a dislocated right shoulder and smashed right leg. Jailing Burnett, Recorder Michael Laprell said anybody who kicked someone on the ground did not know what the outcome of their actions would be - it could be anything from brain damage to death.

He added the attack may not have been pre-planned but it was unprovoked and had long term consequences for Mr Smith. Burnett, of Edgar Street, Accrington, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent, witness intimidation and failing to surrender. Sturdy earlier received a three year prison term for his part in the beating.

The court was told on June 14 last year Mr Smith was assaulted by a man who was then remanded in custody. Five days later he went to the Derby Arms in Burnley and played pool with Sturdy and the defendant before going to a house with them.

Burnett became hostile and Mr Smith, worried for his safety, said he would drop the charges. Outside he was confronted, broke away but was taken to the ground. He was punched and kicked around the body, dragged by his legs towards the house and Sturdy jumped up and down on his legs. Mr Smith later went to Burnley General Hospital, with abrasions and bruises as well as the dislocated shoulder and fractured leg.