A DRUNKEN yob who attacked two young people enjoying a night out in Blackburn town centre walked free from court.

Blackburn magistrates heard William Erris Lowe targeted the two teaching assistants for no apparent reason.

He tried to pick a fight with Kane Talbot and, when Nadia Fawcett bravely put herself between Lowe and her friend, she was punched in the face.

Lowe tried to get Mr Talbot in a headlock, and when Miss Fawcett again tried to stop him, she was slapped.

And the magistrates were told Lowe had an extensive criminal record for offences of violence.

Lowe, 33, of Canterbury Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Miss Fawcett, 22, and Mr Talbot, 19. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and made subject to community supervision for 12 months.

He also pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly outside the magistrates’ court.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Miss Fawcett and Mr Talbot were out with a 20-year-old female friend.

She said: “They had just walked past King George’s Hall when they had the misfortune to come across the defendant, who was in a drunken state. He was shouting, but they couldn’t understand what he was saying and tried to ignore him.

“They couldn’t understand what he was saying because he was that drunk and walked faster to try and get away from him.”

Miss Allan said Lowe caught up with them, and seemed to be demanding an apology from Mr Talbot.

She said: “Miss Fawcett got between them and stood up to the defendant, thinking he would back down. She shouted in his face, telling him to back off and leave them alone, or they would call the police.

“Miss Fawcett pushed him away and he responded by punching her in the face. He made another grab at Mr Talbot and then tried to get him in a headlock.”

Miss Allan said Lowe had numerous previous convictions for assault, and said: “He came to court on the drunk and disorderly charge last Friday, but he was in a drunken state and, before he was dealt with, he ended up fighting with another man outside the building, and was arrested by the police.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client accepted it had been a ‘thoroughly distasteful’ episode.

He said: “He accepts he has an appalling record for violence when in drink, and it is that he needs to address.”