A FATHER and son who used a hammer to confront a rampaging gang at their home have walked free from court after a judge admitted anyone in their position would have been terrified.

Judge Raymond Bennett said John Anthony Vickers, 46, and John James Vickers, 17, should not have armed themselves with a weapon in the late night melee.

He said although people involved in violence should generally expect serious punishment, the prosecution accepted that between 15 and 20 youths looked as if they were going to attack the defendants' home in Blackburn Road, Darwen.

The judge told Burnley Crown Court that while some people may have stayed in and called the police, officers could not always come straight away and others might have gone outside as the Vickers did.

He added: "What are householders supposed to do?"

Judge Bennett said it would also be quite wrong to deal with the Vickers in any other way than a 12-month conditional discharge. Both defendants admitted affray on May 12 last year.

After the case, father-of-two John Anthony Vickers said he felt he and his family had served a prison sentence already.

He fought back tears as he spoke of the end of a "nightmare" for his family.

Vickers, who used to run Darwen Boys Junior Football Club, said he had had many sleepless nights since the court proceedings started and had bottled up his emotions over the case for 14 months.

He said he wished parents would control their children and get them to show respect for other people's houses and families.

His daughter Michaela, 12, had been hysterical with fear while the gang had surrounded the house.

He added: "I feel as if a massive weight has been lifted off our shoulders."

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said a 16-year-old youth had been struck from behind in the street and blamed John Vickers junior.

Between 15 and 20 youths, some of whom had been drinking, massed outside the Vickers' home, abusing the family and Mrs Vickers told them to go away.

The gang did not move and father and son went into the street. One of them was armed with a hammer which was brandished.

Mr Lamberty said three youngsters were injured. A 16-year-old youth, who was punched by John Anthony Vickers, suffered a loose tooth and split lip, a teenage girl was left with dizzy spells and headaches and another received a cut to her elbow and had to have her am in a sling.