A PENSIONER who had amorous aspirations towards a female friend became upset when she asked another man for a cigarette.

Blackburn magistrates heard Frank Patrick Doherty punched the woman in the face during an incident in the street which was witnessed by a shop worker.

Doherty, 65, of Barlow Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to assaulting Cheryl Cheetham. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £85 costs.

Gareth Price, defending, said the only person involved in the incident who had been sober was the shop assistant.

"He described a single blow which is what the defendant admitted to the police," said Mr Price.