A DRUNKEN groundworker who smashed up his dog-sitter's face has been jailed for 12 months.

Barry Robinson, 36, had punched Gary Waller twice, after the victim, who often looked after the animal, wanted cash for doing it.

Mr Waller suffered fractures to his cheekbone and nasal bones which required surgery, Burnley Crown Court was told.

Robinson, of Harold Street, Colne, who has a record for violence, was on bail at the time for growing almost 20 cannabis plants.

He admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on January 21, and producing cannabis. He accepted he would have shared the drug with others once the plants had grown.

Andrew Long, prosecuting, said both Mr Waller and Robinson had been drinking heavily at the time they fell out. The victim still suffered pain and numbness to his face.

Philip Holden, for father-of-one Robinson, said: “This isn't an offence that was premeditated in any way.

“There are no weapons and the like used.”

Recorder John Bromley- Davenport told Robinson : “You inflicted very serious injury by this completely unnecessary and unprovoked assault.”