A REVELLER who glassed a man in the face he said was an act of ‘self-defence’ has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Burnley Crown Court heard how victim Jordan Crossley was with a friend in Bar BB11 in Burnley when they decided to go for a cigarette.

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The court heard as they went across the dancefloor an argument developed with a group of men and a fight ensued.

Prosecuting, Peter Barr said during the melee Mr Crossley was struck in the face with a glass held by defendant Anthony Knutton, 31.

Mr Barr said Knutton, of Shadsworth Road in Blackburn, fled the nightclub in Coal Street but was seen by a member of security staff who pointed him out to police.

Mr Barr said Knutton had always maintained he was acting in self-defence.

He said: “The defendant pleaded guilty to assault.

“That was on the basis the complainant struck the defendant who struck out with a glass and accepted it was excessive self-defence.”

The court heard the glass connected with the left side of Mr Crossley’s face and cut his ear and scratched his face.

He received treatment from paramedics but Mr Barr said the injuries had not left permanent damage.

Defending, Mark Stuart said his client did not go looking for trouble and he would have to live with his actions.

Mr Stuart said: “This wasn’t an incident where my client was looking for trouble. It was trouble that came to him.

“It was inappropriate for him to punch the complainant with the glass in his hand. He should have pushed him away.

“He regrets what happened but he must live with that. The incident lasted between five to ten seconds. This was not a prolonged attack.”

Knutton, a self-employed contractor, pleaded guilty to assault. He was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, told to pay his victim £350 compensation and £200 costs.

Judge Beverley Lunt said: “You have got slightly worrying convictions which do involve violence. Now you have gone up a notch. You can’t hit somebody whilst holding a glass.”

During an appearance at Burnley Magistrates Court, Knutton also pleaded guilty to possessing 0.07 grams of cocaine. He was fined £200, with £85 costs.