TWO friends were injured when they were attacked with their own pool cue in an early hours town centre beating.

Burnley magistrates heard Adam Sachak and Nathan Kirby's ordeal after an alleged "lovers' tiff" jibe, was captured on CCTV.

Mr Sachak was the most seriously injured and had a footprint on his forehead after apparently being stamped on. The other victim had a hurt arm and ribs.

Labourer Andrew Simpson, 19, of Minehead Avenue, car valeter Steven Bentley, 20, of Ebor Street and award-winning apprentice brick-layer Matthew Heywood, 18, of Cromer Avenue, all Burnley, who have not been in trouble before, were warned they were all now facing jail terms.

They admitted two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, on August 6 and were bailed until October 9, for a pre-sentence report.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, told the court the victims had been playing pool in a pub, went to a takeaway and got into an altercation with the three defendants, who were being aggressive and abusive on Church Street, Burnley. The victims wanted no trouble.

Mr Sachak had his cue with him and was attacked by all three. Bentley kicked him while he was on the ground, got half the cue and started to hit him. Heywood ran over, retrieved the cue and struck the victim. Simpson kicked Mr Sachak once.

Mr Robinson said Mr Kirby was chased away by Simpson but then came back and pushed Heywood off his friend, giving him a chance to stumble to his feet. He was then hit once or twice with the cue.

The defendants were arrested, were shown the video coverage, made admissions and said they felt ashamed. Mr Sachak also had multiple lacerations and bruises as well as the footprint on his forehead.

Geoff Ireland, defending, said the defendants, all good friends, had been drinking. The victims had had a disagreement in the takeaway, Simpson had said they were having a "lovers' tiff" and they seemed to take exception.Then the situation turned ugly.

Mr Ireland said all defendants came from decent, family backgrounds, had no previous convictions and their behaviour was out of character.

Bentley was based at Motorpoint, in Burnley, Simpson worked for R Pilling and Sons Ltd and their co-defendant was about to receive an award as the most improved bricklaying student in his college year.