A MAN on his way out to celebrate New Year’s Eve was confronted by a group of Asian youths as he walked through Blackburn Railway Station and was then assaulted by one of them.

Blackburn magistrates heard Luke O’Neill was repeatedly punched about the head and face as the rest of the gang stood by laughing.

The 17-year-old boy who carried out the attack later admitted he had been drinking vodka and was drunk. He told the magistrates he was not proud of what he had done.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to assault. He was made subject to an attendance centre order and ordered to pay £100 compensation.

John Wood, prosecuting, said Mr O’Neill’s sister had dropped him off at the railway station about 9.30pm and he was going to catch a train to Preston to celebrate New Year.

As he passed the group of males one said something and then the 17-year-old came up behind him and punched him. He then punched him repeatedly before Mr O’Neill managed to run away.

Police officers who went back into the railway station with him saw blood on the floor of the passageway and the victim was able to identify his attacker among a gang outside the Vue complex.

The teenager also had blood on his T-shirt.

Kerry Grieve, defending, said her client had been drinking heavily and had little recollection of the incident.

“He accepts what the complainant has said and pleads guilty on that basis,” Miss Grieve said.

“He acknowledges that his behaviour was not acceptable.”