THREE people are facing jail after being convicted of planning a vigilante attack on a man outside a town centre nightspot.

Steven Taylor, 21, of Primrose Terrace, Darwen, Lee Biggs, 22, formerly of Walter Street, Blackburn, and Raymond Wilkinson, 21, of Entwistle Street, Darwen, were all convicted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm after they were caught carrying knives outside the Privilege nightclub in Darwen town centre last October.

All three denied the offence but were found guilty after a trial at Preston Magistrates Court.

Biggs, who pleaded guilty to carrying an offensive weapon, was remanded in custody, as was Taylor, and Wilkinson was given conditional bail until sentencing later this month.

Helen Waring, 25, of Entwistle Street, Darwen, was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice after alleging the victim of the intended attack had raped her in the nightclub.

Another 23-year-old Darwen man was acquitted of the charge but found guilty of causing damage to public property.

Police said they believed the gang, two of whom were well known to police in the town, had gone to the nightclub to carry out a revenge attack on a man they thought was responsible for a sex attack on a friend.

Detective Sergeant Ian Critchley of Darwen CID said: "They were all caught outside the nightclub having being viewed acting suspiciously by police officers.

"Three of the males were all found carrying knives and after police enquiries it appeared they were there to seek out a person who the female alleged she had had sex with in the nightclub claiming she had been raped.

"A further male who was the boyfriend of the girl at the time was also there. "

The five people are due to appear for sentencing before Preston Crown Court on Wednesday April 25 when Biggs will also be sentenced for other charges relating to burglary and stealing motor vehicles.