AN innocent couple were attacked when a violent building firm boss sparked a "mob handed" assault on an amateur plumber, a court was told.

Umar Akram, 23, tried to resolve a dispute with Steven Clayton by sending a gang into the couple's home, during which he launched a serious assault on the victim.

The defendant, who employs four people, admitted affray and was given 36 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, with 120 hours unpaid work and 12 months supervision.

He must also pay £900 in costs and compensation.

Sentencing Akram, of Richmond Road, Accrington, Judge Beverley Lunt told him he had no business breaking into somebody's home with others he had gathered to his cause.

The judge, who had read a "volume," of references, said Akram was getting a bad record for violence, but it seemed he was a hard-working, successful businessman.

She continued: "I am told you are afraid of prison. Well you can prove it now because if you breach these orders you are sending yourself to custody."

Mark Lamberty, prosec-uting, told Burnley Crown Court that Mr Clayton was not a qualified plumber, but agreed to connect a bathroom for the defendant. He did the work, Akram was supposed to meet up with the victim to be paid and Mr Clayton indicated he would disconnect the work if he didn't.

He later received a phone call to meet at a pub but saw a group of Asian men and thought he might be set upon and fled.

Mr Clayton went to the home of Wayne and Dawn Cowie in Accrington, and burst in followed by a gang. Mr Clayton was punched and kicked several times.