POLICE parked across from Key Street, in Clitheroe, saw Michael Gavin Joseph Bisping 'charge' from the pub and then punch another male 'extremely' hard.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the force of the single blow knocked the other man off his feet and the officer could hear the punch.

Bisping, 22, of Nelson Street, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour. He was remanded on bail until April 2, after the magistrates ordered the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

The chairman said that all options, including custody, should be open to the sentencing bench in view of Bisping's history of violent offending.

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said the police officers were watching three men outside the pub when Bisping and others came charging out. Bisping struck one of the men, knocking him off his feet with a single blow.

After police arrested Bisping, they were unable to find his victim, who had left the area.

Simon Farnsworth, defending, said there was no aggrieved because he did not make a complaint.

"When you hear the defendant's version of events you will understand why," said Mr Farnsworth. He said Bisping was in the Lower Gate pub with a friend who, at some stage, was very badly beaten in the toilets.

"When he found his friend, he was bleeding badly and my client went out to confront the people who were responsible," said Mr Farnsworth. "He claims he was hit on the side of the head before striking out himself.

"He accepts there was contact, but if the ferocity was as described by the police, it is a surprise that the other man could disappear so quickly."