A GAY couple were taunted by a group of teenagers as they walked down an Accrington street.

Blackburn magistrates heard Aaron Jiva asked one of the men if he wanted to fight before they attacked him, punching him repeatedly.

Jiva, 18, of London Street, Fleetwood, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Jade Coleman, prosecuting, said the victim and his partner were walking along Blackburn Road at 7.20pm when the defendant and other youths followed them and kept asking questions about their sexuality and making homophobic comments.

"The defendant and four of his friends punched the aggrieved several times to the face while using homophobic language," said Miss Coleman.

She said when he was interviewed Jiva said the victim had started it but when he was shown mobile phone footage of the incident admitted he was the aggressor.

Gareth Price, defending, said the incident happened 13 months ago and there had been no repeat behaviour.

"He was 17 years of age when this was committed and it is a shame he wasn't processed and brought before the court as a youth," said Mr Price.