A YOUNG dad who dragged a terrified former school enemy alongside a moving car has paid the price with his freedom -- and a judge told him he was lucky he was not facing murder or manslaughter charges.

Steel erector Craig Sharkey, 19, whose victim, Joseph Hardman, had earlier suffered a gashed ear in a street melee, had himself been attacked with an iron bar some months before, leaving him with a blood clot, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The court was told that the knock on the head may have brought about the change in his personality. Recorder Robert Platts replied: "Some may say so. I wouldn't."

Sending the defendant to a young offenders' institution for nine months, Recorder Platts said he was extremely lucky not to be before a judge answering a murder or manslaughter charge.

He went on: "If the young man had fallen under the wheels of the car or struck his head, this may well have been a much more serious case." Sharkey, of York Avenue, Helmshore, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm. Dennis Watson, prosecuting, said Mr Hardman had been to an 18th birthday party in Haslingden and shortly after 11pm went to get a taxi with friends. They encountered a group of youths, including the defendant, who he knew from Haslingden High School. Sharkey jumped on Mr Hardman from behind, punched him, got him into a headlock and the victim felt a bite to his shoulders and ear. He suffered a nasty cut to his ear.

Mr Watson said the defendant and his friend got a the car, some girls went to remonstrate and Mr Hardman went to usher them away. Sharkey grabbed his left arm and the car set off, dragging the victim along.

Mr Hardman was very frightened and felt if he let go he would go under the wheels. He was able to roll off eventually, came to a rest in the middle of the road and was taken to hospital, where he was treated for a number of injuries.

Keith Harrison, defending, said the victim was not without blame. He had threatened Sharkey with a knife and the pair had assaulted each other in the past. The defendant was very drunk and thought Mr Hardman was going to assault him when he approached.

He was not the driver of the car and was not responsible for the vehicle setting off, but it was inexcusable and criminal to keep hold of the aggrieved knowing he was going to be seriously injured.