A father-of-five has been jailed for three years for a New Year's Day attack which left the victim needing surgery to relieve swelling on the brain.

John Boslem, 40, was punched by Jeff Bonnie causing him to fall backwards and strike his head sharply on the pavement and while on the floor, Bonnie attacked him.

Bonnie, 33, of Lodge Street, Accrington, appeared at Preston crown court for sentence after previously admitting causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Julian Holt, prosecuting, said the attack took place on New Years Day 2006 and at the time the defendant was living in Glebe Street, Burnley.

He and his partner was Victoria Parkinson, had gone to her mother's home in Burnley..