A TEENAGER who admitted two separate attacks after downing a huge amount of alcohol has been sentenced to almost four-years' detention.

Preston Crown court heard that before one of the attacks, 18-year-old Anthony Christopher had drunk around 20 pints.

Christopher of Pall Mall, Chorley, pleaded guilty to assault and robbery.

Simon James, prosecuting, said the first victim was attacked while walking home along Eaves Lane, Chorley. The defendant got out of a passing car, pushed him to the floor and repeatedly punched him to the head and kneed him to the face.

He later told police he had no recollection of the incident.

The second victim was attacked in a Chorley alleyway. Christopher struck him to the back of the head, bit him on the cheek and stole a gold chain and bracelet worth more than £500.

He later claimed the youth had made a pass at his girlfriend, but this was denied.

Defence barrister Miss Sharon Watson said serious alcohol abuse linked the offences. He had turned to alcohol out of frustration and boredom.

"He managed to consume twenty pints of strong lager on the first date, which is a huge amount for anybody, never mind someone as young as 18".

Judge Pamela Badley sentenced him three years and nine months and said: "You had consumed huge amounts of alcohol on each of these occasions.

"Each of these matters is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified".