AN apprentice drain cleaner who launched an unprovoked attack on a man outside a Hyndburn venue leaving him with a broken jaw.

Victim Keegan Dobson also lost four teeth in the incident involving Declan Wilding outside Baggy's Wine Bar in Great Harwood, Burnley Crown Court was told.

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Wilding, 20, also set upon Mr Dobson's friend, Lewis Pickford, who had been trying to calm matters down, punching him two or three times, the court heard.

The defendant, of Spring Street, Rishton, admitted to charges of wounding, relating to Mr Dobson, and common assault on Mr Pickford.

He was given a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years and was also ordered to pay Mr Dobson £500 in compensation.

Wilding, who had previous convictions for disorderly behaviour, battery and aggravated vehicle taking, must also observe a four-month curfew between 10am and 7pm.

Emma Kehoe prosecuting, said that Mr Dobson had been having a cigarette outside Baggy's when Wilding approached him, clearly drunk, accusing him of 'calling' his sister.

She told the court: "Mr Dobson didn't know what the defendant was talking about and that he must be confusing him with someone else."

Wilding moved towards him aggressively and punched him once with his right fist, causing Mr Dobson 'intense pain', the court heard.

Mr Pickford tried to intervene, as a peacemaker, but was also punched by the defendant, added Miss Kehoe.

The court was told Mr Dobson had to have a plate inserted into his jaw and lost four teeth in the attack.

Ellen Shaw, defending, said her client had 'shown a great deal of remorse' and had sought out the victim independently to offer his apologies in person.

The defendant was awaiting tests to see whether he suffered from both autism and epilepsy and would have difficulties in a prison environment, she added.

Miss Shaw said there had also been a gap of around two years between the incident and her client's last conviction.

Passing sentence, Recorder John Corless, said: "I accept that on this occasion you have demonstrated real remorse."