A CRIMINAL described as a thug who has changed his ways attacked a man outside a café punching him repeatedly and throwing a metal chair at him as he tried to get away.

Blackburn magistrates heard there was a claim the aggrieved's girlfriend had squirted washing up liquid in Mark Lee McConnell's face to try to stop the attack.

But Nick Dearing, defending, said whatever was squirted at his client resulted in him having to go to hospital for treatment.

"On footage of the incident someone can be heard saying; "we'll bleach you," said Mr Dearing.

It is significant that it was only when something was sprayed in his eyes that my client lost his temper."

McConnell, 35, of Exchange Street, Colne, pleaded guilty to assaulting Richard Mortimer causing him actual bodily harm.

He was made subject to a community order for two years with 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement and a condition he attends the Resolve programme. He was fined £50 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said the incident happened at 1pm at the Arcade café in Colne. Mr Mortimer was with his girlfriend and saw McConnell following him.

"The defendant made threats and then attacked Mr Mortimer punching him repeatedly," said Miss Akhtar.

"He went into the café and the defendant threw a chair which hit him on the back. He caught up with him, dragged him back and again started to punch him."

Mr Dearing said the two men had fallen out a few months ago and they had words when the aggrieved was with his friends.

"On this occasion something was squirted in his eyes," said Mr Dearing.

"During the fracas that followed he was kicked by the girlfriend who as well as the bleach comment could be heard encouraging her boyfriend to hit the other man. Despite all that it was still a fight between two adult males albeit in a public place."

Mr Dearing said his client was described as having a reputation.

"It is not a reputation he wants and is one he is trying to lose," said Mr Dearing.

"In the past it would have been accurate to describe him as a thug but that would not be the case now. People can change."