AN alcoholic who dragged a man off the street and attacked him in a grudge assault has been sent for treatment.

Burnley Magistrates' Court had heard how Nathan Moore, 29, launched the unprovoked beating on frightened Graham Darker as the victim walked to the Jobcentre in Rawtenstall. Mr Darker suffered swelling to his cheek, pain to his jaw, dizziness and a headache.

Moore had last year been jailed for six months for burglary and blamed the victim because he had been “desperate” and had tried, unsuccessfully, to borrow money off him.

The defendant, of Mount Pleasant, Whitworth, admitted assault by beating on July 7. He also pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly on July 15 and failing to surrender to bail.

Moore was given a 12- month community order with an alcohol treatment programme and must pay £85 costs, £50 compensation and a £60 victim surcharge.