A BUILDER who launched an unprovoked attack on a businessman and his friend outside a restaurant has avoided jail.

Burnley Crown Court heard Jason Askew went to The Firepit, in Rawtenstall, looking for his teenage son – but became angry when he found he was not there.

Askew, of Alder Avenue, Rawtenstall, whose son worked there as a pot washer, had become concerned when the 14-year-old did not return home.

The 46-year-old, who had been drinking earlier in the day, went to the restaurant at about 2am on September 9, 2017, and demanded to know where his son was. 

He was told by staff that the teenager had got a taxi home. Askew was calm at first but then hit out in an unprovoked attack outside the premises.

His victim Jack Moreau was left with three broken fingers after being knocked on the floor by Askew. The victim’s friend Elizabeth Ryan, who tried to stop the beating, was also attacked.

The court heard his victim, who works in the travel industry, had to take two weeks’ leave. 

He was also unable to attend a business trip.

Defending, Bob Sastry said Askew suffered from mental health difficulties and added: “He did not go there to cause trouble.

“But he was concerned over the whereabouts of his son who was only 14.”

Askew, who pleaded guilty to two assaults, was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years. He will also have to undertake 25 days’ rehabilitation, 50 hours’ unpaid work and pay £4,500 compensation to his victims.