ANDREW Clewer and Joseph Conroy took revenge after a workmate was assaulted at their Christmas outing.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the two men were seen punching two other men and both kicked one man while he was on the floor.

Clewer, 36, of Carus Avenue, Hoddlesden, and Conroy, 38, of Hazel Avenue, Darwen, both pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour and were each given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said the defendants left a restaurant in Darwen Street believing that a colleague had been assaulted and two other men were pointed out to them.

She said an independent witness then saw Conroy and Clewer punch the other men and saw both of them kick one of the men.

No formal complaints of assault had been made by either the defendants' workmate or the other two males.

Stephen Parker, defending, said his clients were out for a works Christmas party with colleagues from Weltonhurst Enginering.

As they left the restaurant of Darwen Street at about 6.45pm they came upon a member of their party who was covered in blood.

He indicated the two men responsible and words were exchanged before they came to blows.

Mr Parker said Clewer was a man of previous good character and Conroy had not been in trouble for over 10 years.

" They both turned up today and said this incident had ruined their Christmas and they are anxious to be dealt with so they can put this matter behind them."