THREE youths who took part in a "pack attack," on a mother of four's neighbour, are all behind bars.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Clarke Townsend, 19, of Brooke Close, Baxenden, Alex Marsland, 18, of no fixed address, and Michael Wood, 20, of Lydia Street, Accrington, had turned up at the woman's Accrington home uninvited after she had asked friends round for drinks.

They had refused to leave and turned on Lance Ainsworth after she went to get help.

Clarke was sent to detention for 12 months, Marsland for eight months and Wood for two years. All admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. Sentencing them, Recorder Raymond Bennett said they had taken part in a "pack attack," on the victim.

Roger Green, prosecuting, said Tracey Nicolas opened her door to let a friend in and about six uninvited guests walked in. All appeared to be drunk and she went to get Mr Ainsworth, 38, to help her get them to leave.

Mr Ainsworth asked the gang to go and said he would call police if they did not. As he walked out of the front door, he heard somebody say:"Lets get him."

Wood headbutted the complainant, causing him to stumble backwards and then he was punched and hit several times in the chest.

Mr Ainsworth fell back aginst a car and the other two defendants joined in the assault, during which the victim was repeatedly punched.

Mr Green said Mr Ainsworth tried to defend himself and managed to escape to his own house. He tried to shut the front door , was prevented from doing so, but was eventually successful.

His partner had called the police and officers arrived shortly afterwards.