TWO schoolboys and a man who took part in a melee in which a 15-year-old was injured walked free from court after a judge slammed their victim as a "drunken lout."

Judge Barbara Watson told the trio, who had originally been charged with more serious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, that she was taking an exceptional course in an exceptional case.

The judge said she quite accepted the two 14-year-olds, who were of good character, had been faced with a difficult situation and behaved out of character when faced with the complainant's appalling behaviour.

Judge Watson said she did not think the two teenagers were ever likely to appear in court again.

She added that she was surprised the defendants should still be at court, facing the more serious allegations, given the background of the case.

The two Accrington schoolboys admitted affray and and Peter Waddington, 43, of Cotton Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. All three were conditionally discharged for 12 months.

Robert Elias, prosecuting, said the 15 year old had been drinking WKD, was "hyper,", drank beer in the street, damaged a young boy's micro scooter and was warned by police.

He then sauntered off, grabbed an eight-year-old by the neck and then was in turn grabbed by an adult.

Mr Elias said the 15-year-old refused to go to hospital but began to "playfight," with one of the 14-year-old defendants.

The 15-year-old was then struck on the head with a golf club, suffering a nasty laceration.