Earby store attack brothers jailed for attack on shopper

2:23pm Monday 16th June 2008

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TWO drunken brothers who beat up an innocent shopper in a "mindless" attack are both behind bars for 36 weeks.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Peter Lancaster was set upon by Jonathan Farrell, 19, and his brother Karl, 23.

The attack happened in front of horrified members of the public as his girlfriend and off-licence staff tried to stop the onslaught.

Mr Lancaster, who knew his assailants, had passed the time of day with Jonathan Farrell, who had told him : "I'm angry" before the melee in which the victim was grabbed from behind, pushed, thrown into the displays, threatened, punched, kicked repeatedly, had bags of cans thrown at him and was headbutted.

The fracas, described by one of the brother's counsel as "a public outrage," was captured on CCTV and the defendants were said to be ashamed when they saw the footage.

Sentencing, Judge Heather Lloyd said: "This was mindless, drunken violence in a public place on an entirely innocent victim and entirely innocent bystanders were sucked into this frightening incident."

The Farrells, both of Craven Court, Earby, admitted assault allegations on April 4.. Both have previous convictions.

For Karl Farrell, Elizabeth Nicholls said when sober the defendant conducted himself well.

Robert Elias, defending Jonathan Farrall, said his client's conduct had been boorish, drunken, loutish and was unacceptable.