ONE of two men who caused an explosion which blew up a phone box is behind bars while another walked free.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Phillip Collinge, 19, and Howard Heap, 20, heard a "pop," and then a "boom," as a Chinese firework went off in the kiosk at Waterfoot, last April.

Collinge, who was also involved in a 'vicious' pub attack which left a man injured was sent to detention for a total of nine months.

Heap, given 80 hours community punishment, must pay £450 compensation.

Sentencing them, Judge Lesley Newton said the firework incident was stupid and potentially dangerous.

She told Collinge, who rammed his victim's head on to a pool table after seizing him from behind and bending him double, it was fortunate his injuries were not more serious.

The judge said Collinge punched the man several times after an ill-tempered exchange and used a pool ball as a weapon. She went on: "Such incidents in public houses are too prevalent."

Collinge of Halmot Close, Newchurch, admitted unlawful wounding last February and both he and Heap, of Foxhill Drive, Whitewell Bottom, pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

William Baker, defending, said Collinge had been drinking before the phone box escapade but in the cold light of day accepted the risk it posed. He was remorseful.

He had never been to custody, was in fear of it and had forfeited a great deal. He had had to leave the area he was living in because of bail conditions and had lost his home. He had also lost his job as he had considered custody inevitable.

He had felt unable to take up a job, even though his employers would have taken him on again.