A YOUTH kicked another youth in the head after punching him to the floor to protect a girl, a court was told.

The 16-year-old boy had been in the Lar de Dars nightclub, in Eagle Street, Accrington, but later became involved in a fight in Holme Street which was witnessed by two uniformed police officers.

The youth, from Accrington, pleaded guilty at Hyndburn Youth Court to using threatening behaviour.

Sylvia Dacre, prosecuting, said two police officers saw the youth punch the other youth twice in the head before kicking him in the head while on the floor.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client had been in Lar de Dars nightclub on December 5 and a girl he knew was being harassed by the victim.

She asked the defendant to act as her boyfriend and they left together.

The boy then poked the defendant in the chest.

Mr Prew said his client, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said he punched him once in the head which knocked him to the floor but did not kick him.

Bench chairman Gordon Hargreaves said magistrates were very upset that 16-year-olds were allowed into licensed premises.

He fined the youth £100 with £30 costs.

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