A YOUTH who took part in a "four on one" attack in which a man was kicked and suffered a smashed cheek has walked free from court, after being told by a judge: "Thank your dad".

Burnley Crown Court heard how Mark Ferguson's father had taken control of his son's life since the fracas.

He was even trying to get him a job with him at Hollands Foods so he could keep an eye on him.

Ferguson's father stood up in the public gallery and thanked Recorder Tanya Griffiths after she gave his son a chance.

Recorder Griffiths, who said she had thought long and hard about her decision to spare the defendant jail. She said Ferguson was part of the "dreadful attack," even though he did not deliver the kicks which injured Nicholas Counsell, 19.

She said that the defendant had been involved in a "petty and childish row" over whose car was the fastest.

Ferguson, of Springfield Drive, Waterfoot, had earlier admitted affray. He was given 180 hours' community punishment and must pay £1,000 compensation.

Dennis Watson, prosecuting, said Mr Counsell had been to a nightclub with a friend. There was talk about cars and the possibility of a race. Mr Counsell was punched and fell to the ground. He was kicked several times. The defendant accepted he was part of that group involved in the trouble but did not take part in the kicking.

Mr Counsell managed to get away and suffered bruising and swelling to his right eye and a broken cheekbone.

Michael Lavery, defending, said Ferguson was ashamed to appear before the court and to find himself risking custody.

At the time of the offence, he had a car, he would drive around, stay out all night with others and his father did not know who these people were.

Since his arrest, the defendant's father had made him sell his car, controlled his finances and only gave him £10 at any one time so he could not go out drinking. He was determined it was the last matter of violence his son would be involved in.

Mr Lavery added Ferguson's father hoped to get his son a job with him so he could keep an eye on him.