A MAN walking his dog along a Blackburn street was headbutted by a man who came out of one of the houses.

Blackburn magistrates heard the attack came after a minor verbal exchange between the dog owner and a man who was stood on the doorstep.

But they were told after the attack Jordan Lee Barnes made a homophobic remark to his victim.

Barnes, 21, of Fowler Height Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Liam Tofts. The case was adjourned for a hearing when evidence will be called to establish the facts of the incident.

Tracey Yates, prosecuting, said as Mr Tofts was walking past an address in Fowler Height Close his dog pulled on its extendable lead and Mr Tifts said something to the animal.

“A man standing on the doorstep said something about talking to dogs and Mr Tofts asked what his problem was,” said Mrs Yates. “The defendant then approached, headbutted Mr Tofts on the nose and then made a homophobic comment.”

Richard Prew, defending, said his client accepted the assault but denied saying anything of a homophobic nature.

“The other two people who were present also say the words were not uttered,” said Mr Prew. “As my client told the police he had no idea of Mr Toft’s sexuality at the time of the incident.”