THREE members of a gang who beat up a man in his own home after “rampaging” around the property, have walked free from court.

Royden Quinn was set about in the upstairs of his home on Rhoda Street, Nelson, after a drinking session, in January. His attackers were his partner Jennie Banks’s son, Calvin Banks, 26, his next door neighbour Jackie Driver, 44, her brother Peter Simpson, 28, and Kevin Hesselden, 20.

Mr Quinn was punched and kicked in the violence. When he was taken to hospital, he was found to have a fracture to his left cheekbone and a suspected break to his left eye. But, there had been trouble the day before and it couldn’t be said the four definitely caused the smashed bone, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Calvin Banks, of St Philip’s Street and Driver, of Rhoda Street, both Nelson, Hesselden, of Pritchard Street and Peter Simpson, of Spencer Street, both Burnley, all admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Simpson, who is already behind bars until the end of next year, was given 16 months. Banks and Hesselden received 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. Driver was given 18 months in custody, suspended for 12 months.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said it was alleged the victim had made threats with a knife to Driver the night before.

The night of the assault, there was drinking at Mr Quinn’s house. He went to bed about 8pm, and was followed up by Simpson who was angry over the knife threat, woke him up and ordered him to apologise to his sister and kiss her feet.

The victim went downstairs to apologise. In the early hours, he again woke up, to find the defendants in his room. He was punched repeatedly to the face and ribs.