ONE of three “drunk” louts who caused trouble on a Nelson street at 9.30am has been locked up.

Burnley Crown Court heard Ian Shepherd, 27, struck John Evans, 50, with a stick, leaving him needing hospital treatment.

The victim's retired father-in-law, John Smith, had been with him when the pair were confronted by the unruly defendants, on August 20.

Shepherd, of Southfield Street, Nelson, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for eight months.

A 15-year-old who pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour was given a six-month youth rehabilitation order and a 17-year-old who admitted affray received a 12-month rehabilitation order, with supervision.

The teenagers, both from Nelson, cannot be named for legal reasons.

Sarah Johnston, prosecuting, said Mr Evans and Mr Smith were travelling along Railway Street, in Mr Smith's car.

The defendants were being unruly in the street, some of them without their tops on, and were shouting.

Mr Evans got out of the car and bricks and stones were thrown at him by the gang. Shepherd took hold of a stick, ran towards the victim and hit him with some force.

Judge Beverley Lunt said the defendants’ behaviour was “loutish and bullying”.