A REVELLER who went over the top on the first day pubs reopened after lockdown attacked the landlord.

Daniel Simon Brown was told he wasn't welcome in a town centre pub followed the landlord in and attacked him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Brown punched his victim repeatedly until he was dragged off by regulars at the Sun Hotel on Astley Gate, at 3pm on July 4.

Shocked shoppers looked on as police were called to put Brown in the back of their van.

Brown, 33, of St Paul's Terrace, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to assaulting Phillip Price. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation to Mr Price and £85 costs.

Brown was also excluded from the Sun Hotel for 12 months. Brown also faced with two charges of assaulting an emergency worker but was acquitted of both following a trial.

Robin Lynch, prosecuting, said Brown was refused entry to the pub because he had caused problems previously.

"He entered the pub and punched the landlord repeatedly to the face and back of his head before customers intervened and ejected him from the pub," said Mr Lynch.

Aftab Bakhat, defending, said Brown was stood outside the pub talking to the landlord's daughter when Mr Price came out.

"He made a comment which my client took exception to and he foolishly followed him into the pub and attacked him," said Mr Bakhat.

"At that point he was attacked by other patrons and a bit of street justice was administered."

Mr Bakhat said since the incident in July his client had moved out of Blackburn and away from negative influences.

"He has engaged with Inspire voluntarily and has turned his life around," said Mr Bakhat