A MAN has been convicted of carrying out an attack in Blackburn town centre, that left a teenager badly hurt.

David Young claimed that he had acted in self defence when he struck out with a punch.

But a jury convicted him of a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm after a three-day trial at Preston Crown Court.

Young, 22, of Primrose Drive, Blackburn, was remanded in custody for sentencing on April 7.

The jury had already heard that he had pleaded guilty to an offence of affray which took place a short time earlier that night in August last year.

The court was told that John Williams, 19, fell to the ground after being struck.

He suffered a serious head injury and needed an operation to relieve pressure on the brain.

He and friends had earlier visited the Heaven and Hell nightclub.

Following the incident Young was detained in the grounds of Blackburn Cathedral.

In his evidence, he said he believed he had been under attack.

Having milled around on a car park, he claimed to have been chased by a group, initially six or seven strong.

It ended with Mr Williams in front of him and he felt, another couple of lads behind, the court heard.

Young said he had been backing off and Mr Williams and the group were walking towards him.

He panicked after throwing the punch and ran away.