THREE youths involved in a "pack attack" which left a military policeman injured have all been given community punishment orders and fines.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Daniel Connor, 20, of Accrington, tried to stop a fight in a nightclub but was then chased down a back street by Matthew Hastings, 18, Carl Ashton, 20, and Michael Ashton, 18.

Recorder Terence Rigby, who had seen a video recording of the fracas in Accrington played in court, said they had behaved like a pack of dogs and launched a cowardly and persistent assault.

The judge said he was pleased the trio's parents and friends had seen what they did and he could not see how anybody could describe what they had done as being out of character.

He went on: "People who behave properly, who do not have violent dispositions, however drunk they may get, do not chase somebody down a back street."

Hastings, of Owen Street, Carl Ashton, of Water Street, and Michael Ashton, of Stanley Street, all Accrington, all admitted violent disorder.

They were all sentnenced to 150 hours community punishment and each ordered to pay £334 compensation and £200 costs.

Michael , prosecuting, said Mr Connor suffered two loosened teeth, a wound to his leg and cuts and bruises.