A 32-YEAR-old man punched a neighbour in their bedsit in a row over shared cleaning duties.

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim suffered a fractured eye socket and a depressed fracture of his cheekbone as a result of the single punch assault.

Richard Lucas-Brewer, of Park Lee Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to wounding Wayne Dunkley causing him grievous bodily harm. He was committed on bail to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on February 26.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said there were 10 bedsits in the Park Lee Road property and, because of problems with cleaning responsibilities, the landlord had posted a notice reminding tenants of their duties.

“Mr Dunkley was in his room with a friend when Lucas-Brewer stormed in looking ‘revved up’ according to the aggrieved,” said Mrs Yates. “He was shouting about the cleaning duties and then stood over Mr Dunkley and punched him forcibly to the side of the face.”

She said Mr Dunkley had to undergo surgery to manipulate a number of fractured bones.

Peter King, defending, said his client had always accepted a momentary loss of temper which resulted in him striking the aggrieved once. “He had no intention of causing any serious harm,” said Mr King.