Man jailed for kicking gatecrasher

11:27am Monday 14th April 2008

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ONE of three men involved in a melee at a party has been jailed for 12 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Anthony Thorpe had been attacked by David Taylor, 25, soldier Craig Briercliffe, 23 and Victor Knight, 23, at a house in Clayton-le-Moors.

Knight was on bail for the incident when he racially abused a taxi office operator.

Taylor, of Lancaster Drive, Briercliffe, of Albert Street, and Knight, of Sparth Avenue, all Clayton-le-Moors, admitted affray.

Knight was also convicted of racially aggravated inten-tional harassment and was jailed for 12 months.

Judge Andrew Woolman gave Taylor six months in jail, suspended for two years and Briercliffe received nine months in prison, suspen-ded for two years. Both got 80 hours unpaid work and must pay £350 costs.

Gareth Jones, prosecuting, said on June 23 Mr Thorpe and a friend turned up at a party at Taylor's home uninvited. Taylor answered, the pair were refused entry and the victim tried to walk into the house. Mr Thorpe struck Taylor who respon-ded by hitting Mr Thorpe in the face.

Mr Jones said Taylor was joined by his co-defendants, who came out of the living room and a fight broke out.

Mr Thorpe was punched to the face and kicked by Briercliffe and Knight whilst he was on the floor.

The prosecutor said Mr Thorpe had cuts to his face, a broken nose and scarring.