A MAN was hit over the head with a crowbar and kicked in a brutal gang attack.

Brian Smith, 31, Anthony Monaghan, 27, from Blackburn, were locked up after admitting attacking Michael Ainsworth and Simone Dewsnap outside their house in Laburnum Road, Blackburn.

Preston Crown Court heard Mr Ainsworth suffered a fractured skull and needed 32 staples in a head wound after being hit with the crowbar by Smith in November.

Smith and Monaghan were accompanied by Bethany Alberts, 22, who had grabbed Miss Dewsnap, and Brandon Batty 18, both from Blackburn, who had punched and kicked her in the face.

Tim Evans, prosecuting, said as Mr Ainsworth grappled with Monaghan he lost his balance and then felt heavy blows to the back of his head.

Mr Evans said: “With words to the effect of ‘I’ll have you’, Brian Smith raised the crowbar and repeatedly struck at Michael Ainsworth.

“Simone Dewsnap describes seeing a number of blows to the body as well as to the head.

“She could also see that Brandon Batty had begun kicking at Michael Ainsworth whilst he was down.

“Michael Ainsworth was on the ground and he had clutched his hands to his head for protection and could feel blood coming from his head in such volume that it was dripping into his eyes.

“Mr Ainsworth was aware that he was being set upon and he saw Monaghan, Batty and Smith all standing over him and kicking him to the head and body.

“He could see Smith was holding a red crowbar in his hand.”

The row stemmed from October 31 when Mr Ainsworth and Miss Dewsnap saw Batty and Smith emerging from an empty house with a black bag, a Stihl saw and wallpaper.

When questioned by Mr Ainsworth, Smith told him it was nothing to do with him and he should not tell anyone.

On November 2, Mr Ainsworth was invited to Batty’s sister’s for a social get-together, but was accused of telling people about the burglary.

Mr Ainsworth denied that he had but was threatened by Smith who said he would ‘knock his head off’.

After a heated argument Mr Ainsworth left the house and returned to his own and later that evening Miss Dewsnap found Smith with Monaghan and Alberts outside their house before being attacked.

Mr Ainsworth suffered a fractured skull, large cuts to his head, bruising above his left eye and right thigh and cuts to his left hand.

Miss Dewsnap suffered sprains and bruises.

Mr Evans said in Mr Ainsworth’s impact statement he said his life was severely affected.

He said: “He suffers to get to sleep because he has had 32 staples in his head.

“He now suffers from anxiety and depression.

“He used to work as a builder but he can’t work any more because he gets light-headed. He can no longer play football.

“He has also lost friends because he can’t go out to places he used to go due to his anxiety.”

Mr Evans said Miss Dewsnap had also suffered from the attack.

He said: “She talks about it being difficult to explain to her children why their mum was marked, that caused upset to her and the children.”

Anthony Morris, defending Smith, said his client was a good member of the community and family man.

He said: “I hope your honour would expect words from his family to say what a good family man he is. I say that on behalf of them as I have spoken to them.

“The complainant and the defendants were somewhat friends.

“They grew up together on the estate. It is extremely sad there were these altercations.”

Tom Lord, representing Monaghan, said: “He’s 27, he does have a list of previous convictions. But beyond this conviction he does not have any for violent conduct.”

“Mr Monaghan did not have a weapon on his person.”

Smith, of Lilac Road, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to 10 years and eight months.

Monaghan, also of Lilac Road, admitted causing actual bodily harm and violent disorder and was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison.

Alberts, of Shadsworth Road, admitted using threatening words and was given a one-year community order.

Batty was remanded in custody for reports and will be sentenced on May 2 while preparations for a psychology report are made.

Judge Sara Dodd said: “This was a sustained and repeated assault on Mr Ainsworth. You (Smith) used a weapon to inflict these serious injuries.

“I am told you have a good work ethic and you are a devoted father to two children.

“Monaghan, you are 27, and have appeared before court 24 times for 44 offences.”

“You kicked (Miss Dewsnap), you had a leading role in a group who attacked her.”