A YOUNG dad who took part in a late-night fracas in which a teenager was beaten up and stabbed in his own home, has been sent to jail.

Francis Hunt, 22, had gone into Shaun Ruddeforth's Burnley flat with other youths and "launched" an attack on him. The defendant punched the victim in the face, causing him to stagger backwards into the bathroom and he was then hit and kicked to the body and head.

Recorder Alan Conrad QC, who said Hunt was not in any way responsible for the stabbing, said the assault must have been an unpleasant and distressing experience for the victim and was very serious. He added Hunt had an "unattractive criminal record" and sent him to prison for three months.

Hunt, whose address a judge earlier ordered should not be revealed, had previously admitted common assault.

Katherine Pierpoint, prosecuting, said three men forced their way into the complainant's property at 11.30pm. He was then subjected to a 10 minute assault and tried to protect himself. He suffered sore arms, legs and face.

Hunt was arrested the day after and said Mr Ruddeforth had been "mouthing off." He admitted striking him several times.

Ian Metcalfe, defending, said Hunt, father of an 18 month old daughter, was not working and was on the waiting list for a hip replacement.

He had been in trouble with the police before, but it seemed his offending was slowing down. There was no suggestion he had committed any offence since this.

The defendant had never previously received any form of custodial sentence.

He and his girlfriend were planning the future and if he kept his liberty, he was going to Cumbria to look at a house.

Mr Metcalfe told the court there was no evidence to support the contention that Hunt knew a stabbing was about to take place. He would benefit from and progress through a community rehabilitation order which would reduce the risk of him reoffending. Custody was not likely to have that effect.