A FAMILY firm has handed over its secret black pudding recipe to a rival after a vicious attack left the owner unable to work.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Mary and Tony Sinacola, who run Chadwicks Original Bury Black Puddings, had provided the delicacies to be used in the annual World Black Pudding Throwing Championships in Ramsbottom in September last year.

Joseph Allman, prosecuting, told the court that during the evening, 52-year-old Mrs Sinacola went to a takeaway in Bridge Street where she came across brothers Adam and Kyle Cooper who, together, with Daniel Leigh, were abusing shop staff.

She remonstrated with them and that led to a struggle. Her daughter, Bethany, seeing what was happening, went to fetch her father, Tony Sinacola, from a nearby pub.

But when he arrived Adam Cooper knocked him to the ground, breaking his ankle, and all three youths joined in kicking him on the ground until he lost consciousness. “One witness describes one of them kicking him in the head repeatedly like a football,” said Mr Allman.

Mr Sinacola, aged 50, needed hospital treatment for his broken ankle and 5cm cut to his head.

The court heard that the injuries have had a devastating affect on the couple’s business, which has been in their family since 1865.

Mr Sinacola was responsible for making the black puddings and, unable to work, his wife reluctantly had to hand over the secret recipe to a rival firm in order to continue supplying their customers.

Adam Cooper, aged 20, of St Andrews Close, Ramsbottom, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mrs Sinacola and assault causing actual bodily harm to her husband.

He was jailed for two years.

Kyle Cooper, aged 21, of the same address, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm to Mr Sinacola and received 16 months.

Leigh, aged 21, of Fern Street, Ramsbottom, was jailed for 12 months after admitting the same offence.