Three drunken men broke a door down to get into a house, terrifying the young couple living there, Burnley Crown Court was told.
Christopeher Costello (24), of Chapelhouse Road, Leonard Thomas (23), of Kingsley Street, and Shaun McLaughlan (20), of Bankhouse Road, all Nelson, admitted criminal damage, affray and assault. Costello and Thomas were each jailed for 16 months and McLaughlan was similarly sent to a young offenders’ institution.
The court was told Costello was looking for another man who lived at the house. All three went into the bedroom, frightening and intimidating the couple. Costello threw a punch at the man, and the woman, crying hysterically, was ordered to hang up the phone when she tried to ring the police.
In their defence, it was said Costello had had a poor start in life and was in a revolving door with the court system caused by alcohol, stupidity and reckless behaviour.
McLaughlan, a gardener, had never met Costello before. He had had far too much to drink and went along when Costello said he wanted to see a friend.
For Thomas, it was said he was very sorry for distress caused to the couple. He did not remember anything because he had been incredibly drunk. At the time of the offence he was at rock bottom.