A JUDGE who told two youths involved in a late-night mele they had far too much cash to spend on drink, spared them custody, but hit them in the pocket.

Leon Felton, 18, out on the town celebrating his coming of age, and Adam Hartley, 19, had both taken part in unprovoked attacks on two men, which left one victim with a shattered cheek and in hospital for two days.

Recorder Charles Feeny told the duo he would have been justified in sending them to detention and they had come as close as it was possible to it.

But, he told Burnley Crown Court, because of their circumstances, age, guilty pleas and the effects custody would have on them, he had been "just persuaded," to allow them their liberty.

He said the defendants had too much money to spend on alcohol - and it could go towards compensating the complainants instead.

Felton, an apprentice, of Alexandria Street, and Hartley, an industrial cleaner, of Rosedale Street, both Rawtenstall, earlier admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Felton was given a community rehabilitation and punishment order of two years and 200 hours and Hartley was given an order of two years and 160 hours. Both must each may £1,500 compensation.