TWO brothers who attacked a troublesome partygoer escaped custody after a judge said the victim "didn't seem a very nice chap".

Burnley Crown Court heard how complainant Michael Riley had caused upset and offended French exchange students at the gathering in the block of bedsits where he lived.

He had claimed to be a member of the IRA and was said to have made everybody feel uncomfortable.

Mr Riley was taken to hospital, where he was found to have suffered a black and swollen left eye with heamorrhage in the eyeball and tenderness around the socket. He also complained he had pains in his head, neck and chest.

Philip Hayes, 23, who had been armed with a machete, and Thomas Duffy, 19, who had held a knife to Mr Riley's throat, were both given 80 hours community punishment.

Sentencing them, Judge Raymond Bennett said normally people who did what they had would go to jail, but Mr Riley's behaviour had been "quite appalling."

He added they should not have had weapons and should not have attacked the victim but he did not think any right-minded member of the public would think justice was being done if they were sent to prison.

The defendants, of Lachman Road, Trawden, both admitted affray, last November 6. Judith McCullough, prosecuting, said Hayes had also lived in the bedsits above a shop on Keighley Road, Colne.

Mr Riley was asked to a party by a girl neighbour, he was late and the evening descended into abuse and argument.

The landlord asked Mr Riley to leave and he began to pack his belongings. Hayes came into the room with a machete and there was further rowing

Mr Riley left and Hayes, who had a kitchen knife, followed him. Outside there was more disagreement and Mr Riley dropped his bags and left.

Miss McCullough said a passer-by walking his dog heard shouting and when the complainant tried to return and pick up his rucksack, he was approached by Duffy. He was kicked and knocked off his balance by Duffy and both defendants then began to punch him around the head and body.