Former professional boxer left victim needing plates in his cheeks after ‘unprovoked’ pub attack

Ex-fighter Shaun Horsfall, 40, told probation officers he had only hit Michael Strang with his ‘weaker’ hand outside the Union Exchange in Colne, Burnley Crown Court was told.

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The victim was forced to take three and a half months off work and still suffered anxiety problems over the ‘unprovoked’ attack.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said the defendant’s former partner Rebecca Mouseley had been out with a female friend and Mr Strang in Colne when they were approached by Horsfall.

He asked Miss Mouseley, who he had split up with a year before, whether Mr Strang was her new boyfriend but was told this not the case.

Mr Parker said: “The defendant was not satisfied with this explanation and said ‘I don’t like it’.”

CCTV was played to the court showing Horsfall walk past Miss Mouseley’s female friend and punch Mr Strang once to the face.

Mr Parker said several witnesses could be seen helping the victim to his feet and he appeared to be very dazed.

Later he was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where he had two plates inserted into his cheek during surgery.

Horsfall, of Ford Street, Barrowford, who admitted to inflicting grievous bodily harm to Mr Strang, was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours compensation and pay £2,000 in compensation to Mr Strang.

Passing sentence, Mr Recorder Corless said: “You are a boxer and as such I am sure you know your own strength. The blow in this case resulted in a serious injury to Mr Strang.”

Dylan Bradshaw, for Horsfall, said his client had suffered from depression and a number of failed relationships but still had a role in the lives of his two sons.

He told the court that his client had shown ‘genuine remorse’ over the fate of Mr Strang and accepted his behaviour was ‘disgraceful and deplorable’.