A 'dangerous and violent' man attacked a barmaid outside a Darwen pub, breaking her jaw in three places.

David Barr, 33, of Quaker Lane, Darwen, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court today (Thursday, April 6) following the assault last year.

Around 6.45pm on August 13, Barr entered the Punch Hotel in Chapels, Darwen.

He ordered drinks and became irate, walking out of the pub. A staff member, Sarah Barrett, told him his drinks were ready, with Barr becoming aggressive and screaming in her face.

Barr then lashed out, breaking Miss Barrett's jaw in three places.

Miss Barrett, who is in her 30s, and from Darwen, underwent five hours of corrective surgery which left her with a two-inch scar below her left ear.

Barr was later arrested and charged with wounding.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Assistant investigator Tony Roberts, of Lancashire Police, said: “This was an absolutely horrific, unprovoked assault, on a woman just doing her job.

“Barr is clearly a very dangerous and violent man. He lashed out and hit the woman, causing serious injuries which required surgery."