A ROOFER who launched a street gang attack which left a man dripping with blood has kept his freedom - but left court with a judge's warning ringing in his ears.

Keith Ludlum, 28, was told by the judge behaviour like his normally warranted jail, and that's what awaited him if he flouted the community sentence.

Judge Stuart Baker said Ludlum's conduct had been aggravated by the fact he had been on probation at the time and he could not have complained for one moment if he had been sent to custody.

The victim had been on his own and had been vulnerable and although his injuries had not been severe they were probably painful and distressing.

David Tempkin, prosecuting, told the court last May 13 victim David Whithead was walking along Colne Road, Burnley, when he saw the defendant and other men. He panicked and ran away because of an earlier incident between them.

Mr Whitehead flagged down a passing motorist, put his head in the car and asked the driver to phone the police. He then felt blows to his head and body and the motorist heard a man shouting "Give him a pasting," and "Grass."

Blood was dripping from Mr Whitehead into the motorist's car and the complainant was taken to Burnley General Hospital after suffering cuts and a gash to his forehead.

Ludlum was later picked out in an identity parade.

The defendant, of Pheasantford Green, Burnley, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was given two years' community rehabilitation, to include the Addressing Substance Related Offending group, 60 hours' community punishment and was ordered to pay £250 compensation and £200 costs.

The prosecutor added the defendant had previous convictions, mostly for dishonesty.

John Woodward, defending, said there was a background to the offence but the defendant was sorry for what happened.