A DISADVANTAGED teenager who terrified a schoolboy he believed had molested his girlfriend is awaiting sentence.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Brian Clinning, 19, made the boy believe petrol was being poured over him and threatened to burn him.

He later told police he meant to frighten the victim and another boy because his girlfriend had told her they had put their hands up her skirt.

Clinning, of Frederick Street, Accrington, was sent to Highfield House probation hostel, Accrington, for a month for assessment. He had earlier admitted assault causing actual bodily harm

Andrew Long, prosecuting, said the case was slightly bizarre. Two 13 year olds who knew the defendant were playing truant from school the day before and met up with him at a youth centre.

He took them to a disused and derelict factory nearby and while there he asked them if either of them had been going out with his girlfriend who was closer to the boys' age. He said he would chop off their hands if they did.

The boys left, arranged to meet Clinning the next day and did so at McDonalds . The defendant was there with his girlfriend and her brother.

They went to the same factory and were joined by another youth. Clinning then got some rope, tied the boys to the chair and asked if they trusted him.

Mr Long said Clinning asked the victim if he had tried to go out with his girlfriend and if he had put his hand up her skirt.

He got the boy at his mercy and told the youth to pour petrol from a can but it was a charade as it was a paraffin heater which smelled of petrol.

The defendant threatened to burn the schoolboy unless he admitted what he had done and the child was very frightened.