Three teenage girls who assaulted a man after one of them attacked and attempted to rob his girlfriend have escaped jail sentences.

They had previously admitted assault with intent to resist apprehension, Oxford Crown Court heard on April 14.

Melanie Day, 17, of Trafford Road, Oxford, also admitted actual bodily harm against Ela Stevenson during the incident in Bullingdon Road, Oxford, in the early hours of November 22, 2002.

Marcus Thompson, prosecuting, said Sasha James, 19, of Luther Court, Oxford, Josette Campbell, 19, of Yew Place, Greater Leys, and Day were in a group of six to 10 girls who attacked Miss Stevenson and her boyfriend, Alex Mavor.

Mr Mavor pushed them away and most of the group dispersed, but he kept hold of Day to restrain her until police arrived. Campbell hit Mavor, before James appeared and began pulling his hair, kicking and punching him. Miss Stevenson was left with bruised legs, and a swollen nose and shin. Mr Mavor suffered bruising, scratches and a cut lip.

Judge Peter Crawford said: "It is disgraceful that ordinary, honest people can't walk the streets without being set upon."

James and Campbell were sentenced to 80-hour community punishment orders and 18-month community rehabilitation orders. Day was sentenced to a 12 month supervision order.