THREE men who subjected a 24-year-old with learning difficulties to a terrifying attack in his home have been jailed.

A court heard how victim Paul Haworth was punched and kicked and rolled himself up into a ball to try to protect himself.

Two of those involved then went back into the house in Audley Range, Blackburn, to punch him some more.

A judge described the attack as "serious and terrifying" and handed down two-and-a-half year prison terms to the three defendants.

One was given a further 26 weeks because the offence put him in breach of a suspended sentence.

Patrick Moreland, 21, of no fixed address, Jason Griffiths, 20, of Kinross Walk, Blackburn and Paul Johnstone, 24, of Mulberry Walk, Blackburn, all admitted burglary attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.

The attack happened on July 18 when Mr Haworth was at home with a friend and a young relative.

Miss Emma Kehoe, prosecuting, said initially a group of youths were heard outside. When Mr Haworth went to the window, Moreland shouted: "You, I want to kick your head in."

Most of the six males and one female then ran to the rear. The group went into the house, with the three defendants heading up the stairs.

Moreland repeatedly punched Mr Haworth to the face. Miss Kehoe said: "Mr Haworth was trying to defend himself by punching out. He rolled himself into a ball to try and protect himself.

"Patrick Moreland continued to hit him. The other two defendants joined in and also hit him.

In police questioning, Moreland claimed the victim had been giving out drugs and had allowed a girl to sleep with men at the address.

He said he had gone round there to speak to Mr Haworth.

Griffiths accepted the intention had been to assault Mr Haworth.

He also told police he had a very short fuse and "could flip when provoked."