A SCHOOLGIRL who attacked a man with a broken bottle after he hit her friend in a nightclub has been sent to a detention centre.

The girl, now 16, and who the court earlier ordered should not be named, was given a 12-month detention and training order, after a judge told her she was understandably upset but she had not been entitled to stick the bottle in the victim's face.

Judge Raymond Bennett told the girl it was hard to believe looking at her that she could have behaved in such a way.

The judge, who added he realised the defendant had had difficulties and suffered turmoil in her life, said the use of bottles and glasses was far too prevalent in pubs and clubs.

The girl, from Burnley, earlier admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. She had no previous convictions.

John Chaplin, prosecuting, said complainant Stephen Mason was in the Genesis club in the early hours and was under the influence of alcohol. There was an exchange of words when the defendant and friend found the victim's behaviour offensive. Mr Mason was said to be making suggestive comments towards the defendant about her appearance and blows were exchanged inside the club. The complainant said he had asked the teenager for a light.

That came to an end and as the parties were leaving, the 16-year-old picked up an empty bottle on the way out of the club and smashed it. Once outside, the defendant struck out at Mr Mason and hit him in the face with the sharp end of the bottle, causing a 9cm laceration to his right cheek. When police arrived they saw Mr Mason pulling the girl to the ground and kicking her in the head, but that was after he had been injured.

Anthony Cross, defending, said it took moral fortitude for the defendant to plead guilty to the allegation. He added there were "quite extraordinary" factors in the defendant's case, and she was contrite.