A TEENAGER who hit a man with a golf club in a melee in Burnley has been sent to detention for 15 months.

Young dad Jordan Peat, 19, who had almost 80 previous convictions, hit the victim with such force the club broke. His record was littered with offences of violence, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Peat, father of an 11 month old child, no longer went out drinking, was taking his family responsibilities seriously and was a changed man, his counsel told the hearing.

The defendant, of Wilton Street, Burnley, admitted violent disorder. He was also given 12 months extended licence.

The court was told two fights broke out between rival groups. The defendant told police he left the scene when one of his friends was injured and he had taken him home. He had thrown the gold club onto the roof of a nearby club.

He said his friends had knocked at his door, saying they were being chased by men who were armed. He joined them to help them. Peat had 79 previous convictions.

John Woodward, defending, said Peat was frank with the police and told the truth when interviewed.

He said: "It's of some concern he has built up a record which includes violence."

Mr Woodward said Peat had tried very hard to stay out of trouble since the offence and his attitude had changed.

He added: "He is the father of an 11 month child. He doesn't go out associating with peers anymore and he doesn't drink nearly as much as he used to. His alcohol consumption is really limited to Friday nights when he stays in with his girlfriend."

Mr Woodward said Peat had not been assessed as posing a significant risk of causing serious harm to members of the public but was said to be in danger of committing further offences. The probation service could work with him and the defendant would grasp the opportunity with both hands.

He added: "He didn't go out looking for trouble and its something that he bitterly regrets."