A Blackburn man who attacked an innocent stranger has escsped an immediate prison sentence after claiming he had no recollection of the incident.

Preston Crown Court heard that a combination of alcohol and his medical condition could possibly have caused the loss of memory.

Daniel Moss, 25, of Columbia Way, told police he had been "blown away" by drinking. He pleaded guilty to a charge of actual bodily harm assault.

The court heard that he had previously lost his memory due to drinking too much alcohol in the past. He had no previous convictions.

John Thomas Short, 63, had been in bed at his flat on Cardwell Place, Blackburn when he was disturbed at around 4.30am by banging on his door on April 14 2006.

On going to see what was happening, he was confronted by Moss who seemed to be trying to get into his home.

He tried to push Moss away and an assault unfolded, said Jane Dagnall, prosecuting.

Moss was sentenced to 26 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, with a year's supervision and 120 hours unpaid work. He was told he will have to pay £500 compensation, plus £800 prosecution costs.

Judge Pamela Badley told him: "This was a very nasty attack.

"I accept what I have read about you, that you have no recollection about what happened."