A MAN has been sentenced to six months detention after a late night attack during which victims were kicked as they lay helpless on the ground.

Christian Toole, 20, from Helmshore, admitted assaulting John Bryan and causing actual bodily harm and affray.

Toole, from Kingston Crescent, was part of a group of youths involved on an attack on two couples walking home in Bolton on May 28 last year, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

The court heard how Toole threw a can in the group's direction. Mr Bryan said that they did not want any trouble but the gang then became violent and during the incident he and a woman called Tammy Leece were knocked to the ground and kicked.

Saul McMinn, 19, from Bolton, was sentenced to nine months detention after being convicted following a trial of assaulting Mrs Leece causing actual bodily harm and affray.

Mrs Leece suffered tenderness to her body and Mr Bryan had cuts and grazes to his face, said Andrew Ford, prosecuting.

At the sentencing, Judge Brian Lewis said it was only good fortune that the victims' injuries were not more serious.

"The court often sees incidents just like this which result in unintended but nevertheless unlawful fatalities. People die when kicked on the ground which is why it is viewed so seriously," he said.

Adam Watkins, defending, said that Toole had admitted from the outset that he had been at the scene but his role did not involve kicking the woman.