TWO taxi drivers were subjected to terrifying early morning ordeals which caused them to flee their vehicles, a court has heard.

The first was bullied after stopping to change a flat tyre and later punched while trying to drive to a safer area with three passengers on board.

The trio later took a ride in a second vehicle, but that driver was also attacked after boasts were made about the earlier incident, Preston Crown Court heard.

Two men involved in the incidents were sent to jailed by a judge who described the events as "callous bullying -- three on one."

Stewart Wilson, 23, of Robin Park Road, Darwen received a 12-month sentence. His co-defendant, Michael Lomas, 22, of St Mary's Wharf, Blackburn was given eight months in prison. Both had admitted two charges of affray and one of theft.

Katherine Pierpoint, prosecuting, said a mini cab was called to pick up a fare at Two Gates Drive, Darwen.

The vehicle set off for Blackburn. But when the driver realised he had a flat tyre and began to change it, he was pushed to the ground.

Everyone got back into the taxi and the driver thought it would be safer if he made his way to a more populated area.

The driver was shouted at and the handbrake was pulled on by one of the trio. The three got out and ran off.

Another cab picked up the defendants 300 yards away and the driver was asked to take them to Westbury Gardens, Blackburn. During the journey, there was talk of having beaten up a Pakistani taxi driver earlier. The driver was grabbed from behind and punched.

Someone released the handbrake, causing the vehicle to roll down the hill and hit two parked cars.