A STUDENT accused of inflicting life- threatening injuries on a youth wept as he told a jury of his terror at the prospect of jail.

Simon Simpson, 18, who admits he "bottled," victim Jason Metcalfe in a fight outside Earby Conservative Club and kicked him once after he fell, broke down as he gave evidence at Burnley Crown Court.

Simpson, studying for A levels at Burnley College, said he had never kicked Mr Metcalfe in the head during the fracas after a party for the staff of Colne McDonalds, last August. He told the jury ; "I couldn't do it."

Asked by prosecutor Robert Elias what he was frightened of, Simpson, who was then working at the fast food restaurant, said he was terrified at the thought of going to custody.

Mr Elias suggested the tears were because the defendant was feeling sorry for himself and Simpson replied ; "And the extent of the injuries Mr Metcalfe received."

Simpson, of Rakeshouse Road, Nelson, denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent together with Kristina Hadfield, 20, of Crawford Avenue, Leyland.

The court has heard how Mr Metcalfe, 20, from Earby, suffered a fractured skull and cheekbone, a blood clot on the brain, had surgery and spent 10 days in intensive care after he was alleged to have been given a kicking by the defendants.

Mr Elias said Simpson was fighting mad and full of ale, anger and emotion after words with his girlfriend at the party. He claimed the defendant smashed a bottle over Mr Metcalfe's head, knocking him unconscious and his head then hit the ground with a "sickening thud." Simpson, then said to have finished Mr Metcalfe off by kicking him, was alleged to have bragged about "dropping," Mr Metcalfe and was cocky about his behaviour.

Giving evidence, Simpson said he had been quite drunk. He said Mr Metcalfe threw punches at him, he threw one back and hit him with the WKD bottle he had been drinking out of.