TWO brothers, who violently attacked a couple on a canal towpath in Burnley, have today been sentenced.

Matthew Pollard, 35 of Hollingreave Road, Burnley and Christian Pollard, 33, of Tadema Grove, Burnley, appeared before Burnley Crown Court today after pleading guilty to section 20 wounding.

Matthew was jailed for 16 months after he also pleaded guilty to section 47 assault. Christian was given a nine month custodial sentence which was suspended for two years.

Around 9pm on 22 May 2010, a 23-year-old woman and 26-year-old man were having a quiet drink on the canal towpath at the back of the Inn on the Wharf, Burnley, when they were approached by the pair and subjected to a violent attack.

The couple were both treated in hospital. The man suffered bite injuries and the woman received a broken tooth and bruising.

Both Matthew and Christian Pollard were both arrested a short time after the attack.

Speaking after sentencing DC Ifte Ali said: "This was a horrific and unprovoked attack on two members of the public who were sat having a peaceful drink.

"I would like to commend the bravery of the two victims for attending court and facing their attackers. I am satisfied with the sentence and hope the victims can now start to put this terrible ordeal behind them.

"The police and courts take incidents of violence very seriously and we will always do everything within our power to identify offenders and bring people to justice."