TWO previously ‘model’ citizens who turned attackers and subjected an innocent teacher to a ferocious beating are behind bars.

Burnley Crown Court heard how victim Junaid Hussain, 22, had been lured to a house in Nelson by his old school friend Zahoor Hussain.

Whilst he was there, Mohammed Owais, 23, came in and set about the victim with a metal bar, bit his right cheek, punched him in the face and headbutted him.

Zahoor Hussain then joined in the violence and stamped on his head.

The victim suffered swelling to his eye and cheekbone, a bite mark, a mark on his forehead, and a bust lip and when police arrived they found him with his jumper covered in blood.

Zahoor Hussain, 23, of Hibson Road, and Owais, of Railway Street, both Nelson, who have both been to university, had earlier admitted wounding, committed on May 19, last year.

Owais, who alleged the victim had ‘bad mouthed’ him, was jailed for nine months. Hussain received a 19 week prison sentence.

For Owais, Simon Gurney told the court he was well educated and had prospects for the future.

He worked in a retail outlet and his income went to support his family.

The barrister said: "It would have a significant impact on his family also if he was sent to custody today. The court could have every confidence if a suspended sentence was passed today, that the defendant would not trouble the courts again."

Mr Gurney said: "For 15 months he has had the case hanging over him and it has had a salutary effect upon him."

Anthony Rose, representing Hussain, said the defendants were decent young men, who were involved in the community and wanted to help people.

Mr Rose said: "I accept that it was his instigation that got the victim round to the house."

Sentencing, Recorder Terence Rigby said neither of the defendants had any previous convictions.

He told the pair: "You were both young men for whom the world was waiting. You were, to a degree, a model within your own community, both of you."