AN attacker struck because he had just learned of the unexpected death of his brother, a court heard.
Jonathan Michael O' Brien, 30, had 'foolishly' gone out drinking with his friends and lashed out.
The victim didn't have a chance to defend himself in the incident, caught on CCTV, Burnley magistrates were told.
O' Brien, of Linden Street, Burnley, admitted assault by beating on September 5. The defendant, who wants to join the Armed Forces, was bailed until September 30, for a pre- sentence report.
Daniel Frazer, for O' Brien, said he had learned of the death of his brother, who had had issues with drink and drugs, but had been in rehabilitation. His family thought he had changed.
The defendant couldn't cope and hadn't expected to have to cope with that kind of news.
The solicitor said: “He apologises for his actions.”
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