A MAN attacked as he walked home was propelled through the lounge window of a terraced house, traumatising the elderly occupier, a court heard.

As a result of the unprovoked attack, Derren Smith, 39, needed surgery to his hand and a tendon was almost severed. He also had a bruised ear and a blood clot.

Attackers Martin Murphy, 20, of Gillibrand Street, Darwen, and Lee Taylor, 18, of Hacking Street, Darwen, admitted unlawfully wounding Mr Smith last May. Both were sentenced to two years' youth custody.

David Pickup, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court that Mr Smith had left his girlfriend's home in Darwen to walk home.

Taylor approached Mr Smith, deliberately barged into him and began punching him. Murphy then joined in, throwing punches and trying to head-butt Mr Smith.

During the struggle, Mr Smith fell to the ground and Murphy was on top of him punching him. Taylor kicked Mr Smith to his legs and kicked his head hard.

Mr Smith managed to get up and was head- butted to the back of his head.

Murphy punched Mr Smith so hard he was knocked back into a window of a terraced house and fell through, injuring his hand.

Keith Thomas, defending Taylor, said he had shown remorse. Liz Brennan, defending Murphy, said he had not started the altercation, but became involved.