Three men who beat up an alleged sex pest have all kept their freedom at Burnley Crown Court.

The trios victim had been left with multiple linear marks to his neck but they were probably caused by a fourth man who had grabbed him around the neck, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Motiur Rahman, 19, and Aklack Miah, 18, both of Brougham Street and Beyel Miah, 19, of March Street, all Burnley, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm in February.

Aklack Miah and Rahman were both given a two year community rehabilitation order with the Think First programme. Beyel Miah received 50 hours community service.

Sentencing, Judge Anthony Russell, QC, said the defendants behaviour was disgraceful, particularly as none of them had been violent before.

Hilary Manley, prosecuting, told the court the victim was on Devonshire Street, Burnley, around 9pm when a fourth man grabbed him around the neck. A car pulled up driven by Rahman and with the other two defendants in.

The victim ended up in the car and the vehicle headed to Padiham. The fourth man hit and slapped the victim about the head and made threats. The car was driven to Pendle Hill and the complainant got out and ran away.

The victim was brought back to the car with force and Rahman hit him. The vehicle then travelled to Sabden

John Woodard for Aklack Miah, said he believed the victim had behaved inappropriately towards a girl. He challenged him, got some abuse back and there was some ill feeeling.