A MAN just released from jail after taking part in the Burnley riots launched a revenge attack after his cousin was injured, a court heard yesterday.

Joseph Brogan, 20, had only just been released from a 21-month jail term and was on licence after his part in the Burnley riots, during which he charged at a police line. He went out looking for a victim but Abdul Nasir Ul-haq was entirely innocent, the town's Crown Court heard.

Sentencing Brogan to a total of 19 months, Judge Edward Slinger told the defendant the attack had been unprovoked and he had set about the complainant, punching and kicking him in the head. It was fortunate Mr Ul-haq's injuries were not more serious.

Brogan, of Swanage Road, Burnley, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, committed in April. He was given 15 months and must first serve the four months unexpired portion of his previous term.

Tim Ashmole, prosecuting, said Mr Ul-haq had left the Walkabout bar in Burnley with a friend.

The defendant's cousin had had an altercation with two Asian males and Brogan decided to take the law into his own hands. He approached Mr Ul-haq at a taxi office, pulled him into the street, punched him and kicked him after he fell to the ground.

A student who saw the attack described it as "ferocious," and "sickening." The victim lay on the floor trying to cover his head and face but was unable to protect himself. An ambulance arrived and Mr Ul-haq was taken to the hospital suffering various injuries. Blood found on the defendant's clothing matched that of the victim.

Sarah Brennand, defending, said Brogan's cousin Lee had been tearful and bleeding and pointed out the complainant as being responsible. There was no evidence to suggest he was.

Brogan had shown genuine remorse and accepted he caused the bumps and lumps to the victim's head.

The defendant, who committed the offence about eight weeks after his release on licence, had served the equivalent of a nine-month prison term.