A MAN has been cleared of attacking a pub landlord after he had barred him from the premises for life.

Steven Martin, 45, was found not guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm, after a three-day trial at Burnley Crown Court.

The defendant, of Garrick Street, Nelson, had denied the charge. He was discharged from the dock by Judge Raymond Bennett.

The jury had heard claims that alleged victim Keith Thompson, landlord of the Lord Nelson, Nelson, was said to have fallen to the ground and been repeatedly hit in the face by the defendant.

Martin later told police he was acting in self defence. He claimed Mr Thompson had pinned him to the wall and tried to bite him on the legs after asking him into the pub foyer.

The defendant told officers he had somehow managed to take a swing at Mr Thompson and hit him on the chin.