A SCHOOLGIRL was dragged along the ground by a car after she met up with a man to swap mobile phones, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard the 15-year-old was scraped along the floor in a "terrifying" attack before the car reversed and knocked her over again.

Defendant Robert Early then sent the victim intimidating and abusive messages on her voice mail when he knew she was going to give evidence, the jury was told.

Early, 26, escaped a custodial sentence after a judge said he was prepared to give him a chance to show the offences were an "isolated aberration". He was of good character, had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had expressed remorse.

Early, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, admitted common assault and witness intimidation and was given 180 hours community punishment.