A MECHANIC watching a thunderstorm was headbutted by a man who got out of a taxi, walked over and attacked him, a court heard.

Pennine magistrates were told how James Twist, 19, then punched victim George Crabtree in the assault outside Colne Asda.

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Mr Crabtree, 23, suffered a cheek injury and a haemorrhage to his ear canal. Twist, who has a record for violence, had told police officers that he was being wound up by the victim and his friends.

However, the defendant, of Beech Street, Barnoldswick, admitted assault by beating in the early hours on July 19.

He was bailed until his next appearance on November 11, for a pre-sentence report.