Attack man’s violent history

4:51pm Friday 4th January 2008

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A MAN launched an unprovoked attack on another man drinking in a Clitheroe social club.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the victim was head-butted and then punched by Simon Martin Thompson, who has a history of violent offending.

And a Crown Court judge will decide whether Thompson should be sentenced as a dangerous offender because of his previous convictions for assault and grievous bodily harm.

Thompson, 23, of Padiham Road, Sabden, pleaded guilty to assaulting James Scriven causing him actual bodily harm.

He was committed to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Philip Potter, prosecuting, said Mr Scriven went outside the social club on Wellgate for a cigarette and was aware of a group of males, one of them Thompson, who were "messing around."

Mr Scriven returned to the club and 10 minutes later Thompson approached and said: "Have you got a problem with me."

"Mr Scriven said no and was then head-butted in the mouth by the defendant," said Mr Potter.

"He staggered back and then Thompson went flying at him and punched him about the face and head.

"Mr Scriven ended up on the floor with the defendant still punching him and the attack only stopped when he was dragged off by other people in the club."

When interviewed by police Thompson admitted his victim, who he didn't know, had done nothing wrong and he didn't know why he had attacked him.