TWO burly brothers who attacked a bailiff who went to repossess a car have paid the price with their liberty.

Doormen Sajid and Asif Hussain, had previously served a five-year term of detention for wounding.

They were told by Judge David Pirie that victim Philip Duket had been acting under the authority of the court and they had made his task very difficult.

Burnley Crown Court earlier heard how Sajid Hussain, 23, then addicted to steroids, lost his temper and struck Mr Duket, knocking him to the floor.

As the dazed bailiff tried to get up, Asif Hussain, 25, kicked him in the head. Both men, of Castle Street, Brierfield, were charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

Sajid Hussain admitted the allegation while Asif Hussain was convicted after a trial. Sajid Hussain was jailed for two months while his brother was given a four-month sentence. The court heard that Mr Duket, accompanied by a police officer, went to repossess Sajid Hussain's car. Asif kicked him and aimed a further kick which missed. Mr Duket suffered swelling and bruising to his neck, minor cuts to his lip and bruises to his eye.

Martin Hackett, for Sajid Hussain, said the defendant struck Mr Duket with an open palm and accepted he lost his cool. He was sorry for his reaction and had not been in trouble since the offence, last May.

When Sajid Hussain was released from the young offenders' institution after the five-year term, he could not cope, turned to body building and became addicted to steroids. He had since had counselling.

Roger Baldwin, defending Asif Hussain, said he could not complain if he was sent to prison.

The victim had been going about a difficult public duty and it was the court's duty to protect him.

Asif Hussain had been doing some plastering work - a skill he acquired while in custody - and was working at Phoenix nightclub in Nelson.

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