A MAN who attacked two schoolboys, smashing one's front teeth, has been warned he could be facing jail.

Burnley Magistrates' Court heard how Ricky Sourbutts, 20, was said to have launched an unprovoked assault on the injured boy.

Sourbutts, who struck because the second victim was said to have had a relationship with his ex-girlfriend, was bailed until December 8, for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

He was told custody was an option.

Sourbutts, of Kings Causeway, Brierfield, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and common assault.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, told the court the injured boy, who was 15, was punched in the face by Sourbutts. A tooth fell out onto the floor and the schoolboy was left with his mouth bleeding. Sourbutts then hit the victim's friend, the court heard.

Sarah Lyle, defending, said Sourbutts had been in a 12-month relationship with a woman and that the second victim had also had a relationship with her.

The two boys had been giving Sourbutts "a bit of lip", the court heard.

The court was told that both boys had chased him and were both trying to attack him, at which point Sourbutts punched the first boy.

Miss Lyle said around last Christmas, Sourbutts tried to commit suicide but was saved by his mother. He had lost his job and his relationship.

She added that since then he had seen the mental health services and his doctor.