A COUPLE leapt into a taxi when they feared they were about to be assaulted by a bottle-wielding gang.

Burnley magistrates heard the pair had come across the three youths said to be looking for trouble in Burnley town centre in the early hours.

All were carrying bottles of drink and one became more and more abusive for no reason whatsoever.

The couple got into a taxi as they were chased by the youths and the vehicle was then attacked, causing damage of £734.

One of the trio said to be involved, epileptic Peter Brian Hodgson-Smith, 19, saw his nights out come to an end for three months after he admitted affray and criminal damage on July 14.

The defendant, of Melrose Avenue, Burnley, was given a three-month curfew order.

He was told he must stay in between 10pm and 6am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and between 8pm and 6am at the weekend.

The bench told him he had used a bottle as a weapon but they accepted he had co-operated with police and was trying to control his drinking.

Margaret Duckworth, prosecuting, said the couple got into the taxi as they thought they were about to be set upon.

The youths began to hit the car with the bottles and then ran off.

The cabbie contacted the police and all three were arrested and appeared drunk..

Mark Williams, defending, said the incident was no doubt frightening for the taxi occupants although there was no physical contact between them and the youths.

It was not suggested Hodgson-Smith, who was a door-to-door canvasser, was the leader in the melee.