TWO brothers allegedly attacked a man in front of a newly-bereaved woman after turning up unannounced at a house at midnight, a jury was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Jason Allpress, 34, the former boyfriend of Judith Nuttall, who had just lost her mother, and Bradley Waite, 23, set about victim John Bailey without any provocation.

Mr Bailey suffered injuries to his face and head, was cut, bruised and bleeding.

Allpress, of Elm Street, and Waite, of Margaret Street, both Rawtenstall, both deny assault causing actual bodily harm.

Adam Lodge, prosecuting, said Miss Nuttall and Mr Bailey were discussing the recent loss of her mother at around midnight.

Allpress, who had had quite a long relationship with Miss Nuttall, and Waite entered the lounge where they were sitting and assaulted Mr Bailey.

Mr Bailey was hit with a bench from the kitchen and at that stage one of the defendants said the the victim had had enough and opened a door to allow him to have some air, the court was told.

The prosecutor said the defendants were later arrested and interviewed by the police.

He said Allpress admitted punching out at Mr Bailey in self defence. Waite denied any involvement in any attack.

(Proceeding)