A THUG who attacked two innocent men in a takeaway and left one with a broken arm, kept his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Christopher Hoyle, 27, had been drinking when he set about the two victims with a metal chair in the early hours.

Hoyle, a self-employed joiner, of Boundary Street, Burnley, who has three previous convictions, admitted two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. He received eight months in jail, suspended for 18 months, with 100 hours unpaid work and must pay £600 compensation.

Michael Wallbank, prosecuting, said the victims were in the Dixie Chicken, Burnley. The defendant, for no apparent reason picked up a metal chair and struck one of them. The victim’s friend stood up to help but he was hit on the forehead with the chair. The first victim suffered a broken arm, his friend received a cut hand and bruises.

James Heyworth, for Hoyle, said the offences were out of character.

James Heyworth, for Hoyle, said the offences were out of character.

Recorder Michael Blakey told the defendant he had acted like a thug.

He was arrested and questioned after the ‘mindless violence’ but made no comment.