A HEALTH and safety manager's jaw was smashed in three places after he went to catch youths he believed had been vandalising cars, a jury was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Ian Ashton, 29, was punched in the face, knocked to the ground and kicked repeatedly as he lay unconscious in the snow.

Mr Ashton told how, six months on, he could now not open his jaw as much as he used to and his front teeth did not close, after the alleged attack by Andrew Entwistle, 19, a 17-year-old, and James Aspin, 20, in the early hours of New Year's Eve.

Entwistle, of High Street, the 17-year-old and Aspin, of Yew Tree Drive, all Oswaldtwistle, deny causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

John Marsh, prosecuting, said Mr Ashton had been out with his cousin Neil Forkin and returned home to Fielding Lane, Oswaldtwistle. Mr Forkin saw three youths damaging parked cars and Mr Ashton spotted some walking up the road.

He followed them into Rhyddings Park, asked them what was going on and was suddenly struck in the face, probably by the 17-year-old. Mr Ashton had no recollection of events after that but Mr Forkin saw three men repeatedly kicking him.

The victim was taken by ambulance to hospital,.

Mr Marsh said Entwistle was arrested and said he had been walking up Fielding Lane.

He said Mr Ashton asked about the damage to cars and the 17-year-old knocked him to the ground. Entwistle said they decided to try and help Mr Ashton to his feet but two men arrived and chased them off.

The 17-year-old said he pushed Mr Ashton, who fell over and he may have kicked him as he tried to push himself up.

(Proceeding)