after attack

A FATHER-of-four and his daughter's boyfriend have escaped jail after beating up their friend in a drunken row.

Burnley Crown Court heard how John Mulcahy, 43, and Anthony Appleby, 23, were captured on CCTV attacking John Hargreaves. The victim did not want them to go to jail, or to even to be arrested.

The duo were told by Judge Stuart Baker they had come as close as they could to being sent to prison. The judge, who had seen the video recording of the assault, described it as a "most appalling piece of public disorder", and added he had noticed how neither could bring themselves to watch it.

The judge went on: "How two people can do what you did to a friend is beyond me."

Mulcahy, of Earnshaw Road, and Appleby, of Gladstone Street, both Bacup, admitted affray. Both were given 200 hours community punishment with £115 costs.

The court was told the defendants turned on their friend after he made insulting remarks about Mr Mulcahy's daughter. All three were drunk.

David Temkin, for Appleby said he had apologised in person to the victim. There could be no justification for such behaviour in a public place.

For Mulcahy, Tim Ashmole said there was very little in his background to indicate he was a dangerous or violent person.