A MAN waiting for his late-night takeaway was slapped on the back of the head as he stood at the counter.

Blackburn magistrates watched CCTV footage from inside Sambul's kebab house in Burnley which showed the victim's face strike the counter as a result of the blow.

Two men then disappeared from view before the assailant, Michael White, was ushered from the shop by his partner.

White, 30, of Glen View Road, Burnley, pleaded guilty to assaulting Andy Bartlett causing him actual bodily harm. He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the victim, £85 costs and £128 victim surcharge.

Ceejay Kok, prosecuting, said the defendant had pleaded guilty on a basis.

"He accepts that any injuries sustained by the aggrieved were as a result of their physical confrontation which started with a slap to the back of the head," said Miss Kok. "He denies punching or kicking the other man at any stage."

In a victim personal statement Mr Bartlett said while he was in the kebab house on St James Street he was subjected to a "brutal" attack.

He said he had suffered a broken nose, a split lip and bruising to his face. Following the attack he woke up in hospital and couldn't open an eye for four days.

He said the incident had shattered his confidence and when he did go out he was always looking over his shoulder.

"Although I have recovered physically I think it will always be in my mind," he added.

Nick Cassidy, defending, said White and his partner had been out with friends. On their way home she had pointed out the aggrieved and said there had been an "incident" between them.

"He has always accepted that when he walked into the takeaway he spoke to the defendant and slapped him to the back of the head," said Mr Cassidy. "He is thoroughly ashamed and through me he formally apologises."

Mr Cassidy said following the incident the police made an appeal through the local press including a still from the CCTV.

"He saw the picture and went to the police station and gave a voluntary interview," said Mr Cassidy