William McConnell and Keith Ormerod, who were both drunk, were attacked and knocked out but could not really remember what happened. Both were set upon by Bobby Ibbotson (18), while Jake Stephenson (17) also joined in the assault on Mr McConnell. Both defendants were drunk, too.

The victims ended up unconscious in the street outside the Cross Keys pub, Barnoldswick, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Four months later, Stephenson went to a house in the town armed with a metal bar, later exposed himself to a woman in a petrol station and vandalised a car - prompting a judge to brand him a "drunken lout".

Ibbotson, of Wellhouse Road, admitted two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. Stephenson, of Manchester Road, both Barnoldswick, admitted one count of assault and had also been convicted of exposure, possessing an offensive weapon and damage.

Ibbotson was given a 12-month community order with supervision, and must live with his mother. He was ordered to observe a curfew. Stephenson got a two-year community punishment and rehabilitation order, with 100 hours' unpaid work.

Miss Sarah Statham (prosecuting) said the assault victims had been to a wedding last May during which Ibbotson abused a girl and Mr McConnell remonstrated and was attacked, remembering little after that. Mr Ormerod tried to protect his friend and he, too, could recall nothing further until he was on the ground being tended by paramedics.

Miss Statham said Mr McConnell received a swollen lip and cheek but did not go to hospital. Mr Ormerod suffered bruises and a broken bone in his hand.

The prosecutor said that, on September 15th in the early hours, Stephenson and a friend behaved like drunken idiots. They went to a house in Barnoldswick, Stephenson armed with a metal bar and his accomplice with a rolling pin. A car was damaged to the tune of £500.

Stephenson later went to a petrol station and exposed himself to a woman customer and made a crude suggestion. He was ejected from the premises and a milk crate was thrown into Skipton Road before police arrived.

Simon Gurney (for Stephenson) said the defendant would like help to put his excessive drinking behind him. He went on: "He is in no doubt this is very much the end of the road for him. Any further violence will lead one way and one way only."