A MAN who admitted causing grievous bodily harm to a pub boss has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Sam Alfron Leverett, of Elgin Crescent, Burnley, unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Kevin Macrae, licensee of Dickie Pinks pub in Burnley, on October 1 2017.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Leverett, 23, had got into an argument with Mr Macrae after being asked to leave.

The court heard Leverett had been drunk and under the influence of drugs, and when asked to leave the premises by Mr Macrae his reactions had been 'grossly excessive'.

Judge Andrew Woolman said: "You struck him eight times and he very quickly went to the ground and you continued to punch him whilst he was on the ground.

"You fractured his upper jaw and nasal bones and as a result, Mr Macrae spent two days in hospital and he has since experienced ongoing problems as a result of what you did."

Judge Woolman stated that Leverett had no convictions in the last five years, although he was handed a community order in July 2013 after two counts of assaulting a constable.

Prior to 2013, Leverett had been convicted of burglary, shoplifting and a racially aggravated public order offence.

Defence barrister Joe Boyd stated that Leverett was a vulnerable man, with many things wrong with him that appeared problematic.

He told the court Leverett suffered from mild autism and had a concentration level of zero out of five, and on the night in question had been taking drugs and had consumed a lot of alcohol.

Mr Boyd said his problems arose from not only his substance abuse but also from his autism.

He said: "His mental health problems and the number of times he is hearing voices seems to be increasing.

"He is a very vulnerable young man and would find going to prison very difficult.

"If he is in a situation he can't cope with he is at risk of self harm."

Judge Woolman said he would argue against prison if Leverett could deal with his substance abuse.

Passing sentence he said: "You may well have some underlying problems as said by the doctors, but your principle problem is your substance abuse and unless you change and deal with it you will not be able to function in society at all.

"I have decided, despite the severity of the case, I am going to give you one last chance to sort yourself out."

Leverett was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to carry out 12 months of drug rehabilitation, 30 days of rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid work.