TWO teenagers who took part in violence in which two men were injured within the space of a few days have both paid the price with their freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how a Haslingden 16-year-old and Rashid Khan, 19, were involved in street fracas which left one victim unconscious and the other with his leg smashed in three places.

The 16-year- old, who a judge earlier ordered should not be named, was given a 12 months detention and training order, after admitting assault causing actual bodily harm and violent disorder. Khan, of Blackburn Road, Haslingden, pleaded guilty to common assault and affray and was sent to detention for three months.

John 0'Shea, prosecuting, said one of the complainants had been out in Haslingden and in the early hours went to a takeaway. He recognised Khan and another youth.

He left, heard somebody behind him and saw Khan and the other youth.

The man ran up a back alley chased by three youths and was cornered. He was pushed to the ground, hit on the head with a bottle by the 16-year-old, and punched and kicked unconscious, suffering cuts, bruising and swelling. Khan told one witness if he got the police involved, he would kill them.

Mr 0'Shea said the second melee took place after victim Philip Kay left the Trades Club in Haslindgen in the early hours.

He remembered very little except feeling a bang on the head and going to the ground, being kicked in the back of the head and then being taken to hospital.

Mr Kay had suffered three fractures to his lower leg which meant the bone had to be pinned back together.

Paul Hague, defending Rashid Khan, said he worked in his father's takeaway and had no previous convictions for violence.

He got involved in the first offence more out of loyalty, took hold of the complainant and hit him.He did not kick him.

Khan had intervened in the second incident to prevent things going too far.

The fear and anxiey of the proceedings had been hanging over him for a long time.