The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, headbutted Shane Kenny and punched him in the face after asking the couple for a cigarette as they walked through a ginnel in Morley, Leeds.

He and another 17-year-old rained kicks and punches on Mr Kenny's face and body as he lay on the ground in agony, while his wife, Carrie, was pushed to the floor and her head was slammed into the concrete.

The couple fought back and one of the attackers ran away, Leeds Crown Court heard, but the first teenager stayed and started "strutting" around the ginnel, shouting "don't you know who I am?"

Mr Kenny was treated for severe bruising to his face and a broken finger, while Mrs Kenny suffered cuts and bruises to the back of her head. Both teenagers had been drinking heavily, while the one who was sent to a young offenders institution had also smoked cannabis.

Judge Peter Benson said: "All they (Mr and Mrs Kenny] were trying to do was make their way quietly home after what must have been a stressful day. You were both jointly responsible for the significant, if not long-lasting, injuries they obtained.

"That sort of conduct in a public place can't be overlooked."

The teenagers both pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Mr and Mrs Kenny, who were returning home from a wake at a pub on Wide Lane, Morley, after attending a family funeral on April 25.

The main attacker was sentenced to six months for each offence, to be served concurrently, while the other was given a two-year supervision order and 80 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £250 each to Mr and Mrs Kenny in compensation.

Defending the 17-year-old who was locked up, Allan Armbrister said he had started to turn his life around and had given up drink and drugs.

"He's made a considerable effort and it's hoped he has made a real change in his life."