TWO men who attacked their "good friend", and set about him as he offered no resistance are awaiting sentence.

Burnley Magistrates heard how John Joseph Mulcahy, 43, and his daughter's boyfriend Anthony Gary Appleby, 23, assaulted John Hargreaves after he allegedly made offensive comments about the young woman.

Appleby and Mulcahy, whose actions were captured on CCTV, were said to be appalled by what they had done.

Appleby, of Gladstone Street, and Mulcahy, of Earnshaw Road, both Bacup, admitted affray last November 16.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court the attack was cowardly. Mr Hargreaves was pulled to the ground, was repeatedly punched and the men only stopped when police arrived.

Mr Hargreaves refused to make a complaint and was taken to hospital. Both men were interviewed and said they had been drunk.

Janet Sime, defending, said no weapons were used, there were events leading up to the offence and the victim had not wanted the two men to be prosecuted. The proceedings had been a salutary lesson for Appleby and his behaviour was completely out of character.

Miss Sime said before the offence, Mr Hargreaves had assaulted Mulcahy and had then turned up on his doorstep to apologise for his behaviour.