A FATHER-OF-TWO today spoke about his months of hell at the hands of a gang of teen yobs as their ringleader was put behind bars.

Paul Harkness, of the Oakdene Estate, on the Blackburn and Darwen border, spoke out after magistrates heard how 19-year-old Marc Kevin Bamping led his tormentors.

He and his friends repeatedly confronted Mr Harkness - described by police as "meek, mild and of diminutive stature" - as he walked to and from work between December and April.

He was called a "nonce" and a "paedophile" by the gang and, on one occasion, a member suggested tying him to a lamp post and gang-raping him.

And on another Bamping threatened to burn his house down and kill Mr Harkness, his wife and two children.

Neil White, prosecuting, said Mr Harkness had no idea why he had been targeted.

"This series of offences caused Mr Harkness to fear for his safety and that of his family," said Mr White.

Bamping, 19, of Birch Hall Avenue, Darwen, had been convicted of putting Mr Harkness in fear of violence at a previous trial. And, after pre-sentence reports, Blackburn magistrates committed him in custody to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

They also sentenced him to an immediate prison sentence of 45 days after hearing he had outstanding fines of £2,340.

Speaking after the case, Mr Harkness said: "I am pleased as the police told me it was unlikely he would get a custodial sentence.

"I think he saw me as an easy target because I was on my own. They were all fuelled by drink.

"It had been going on for 18 months until it got to court. I just want to put it behind me now. I feel I can take my kids out in the evening now."

Roger Pickles, defending, said Bamping had pleaded not guilty and maintained that position, although he accepted the finding of guilt.

He said Bamping was due to start work as a bin man and urged the magistrates to consider the financial benefit of not sending his client to prison. He said Bamping would be in a position to pay compensation and to begin paying off his debts to the court.