A SECOND judge has hit out at drink-fuelled violence -- which he dubbed the "plague of this area," as he sentenced a youth who attacked another man.

Judge David Pirie said the offence was "yet another incident of late-night violence," and told Stephen Riley, 21, if weapons or feet were involved in such fracas, or serious injury caused, those responsible would end up behind bars.

He told the defendant :"You must understand that late--night violence between young men of your age who have been drinking to various degrees is the plague of this area.

"Case after case after case of that kind come before these courts."

His comments came just days after Burnley's senior judge, Judge Raymond Bennett, urged the general public in East Lancashire to drink less, said there were far too may alcohol-fuelled offences and added people hardly ever got involved in brawls when they were sober.

Judge Pirie told Riley he was not going to deprive him of his liberty.

He said the defendant was of virtually good character, had a good job and it may well be his last time before the court.

But he warned him: "If you come before the court again for something of this type, you will lose your liberty."

Riley, of Limefield House, Dunnockshaw Farm, Dunnockshaw, had earlier at Burnley Crown Court admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was given 180 hours community punishment and must pay £500 compensation to his victim who suffered a laceration above his left eye, swelling and brusing.

He was also ordered to pay £320 costs.

Paul Hague, defending, said Riley had learned a very marked lesson.