A man who broke the eye socket of another man in an “appalling” attack has been given a suspended sentence.

Daniel Biancospino, 36, pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding earlier this year following the attack in Blackburn on March 10.

Judge Guy Mathieson described the assault as “appalling” and said Biancospino, of Ribble Avenue, Darwen, had “no excuse” for his behaviour.

CCTV footage played in Preston Crown Court showed a group of people gathered at the front of a shop next to two parked cars.

The group could be seen talking to each other when Biancospino appeared at the top of the image and walked towards the group.

Without talking to anyone in the crowd, he put his hand in his right pocket and advanced towards the victim of the attack, Daniel Scott.

Biancospino then punched Scott in the face and kicked him numerous times as he ran away.

Peter Killen, mitigating, said Biancospino has three children and is currently going through a divorce.

He lives alone but still has contact with his children.

Sentencing, Judge Mathieson said: “I suspect you saying you don’t remember what went on is an excuse so you do not have to explain your actions.

“You spoke to someone and felt the need to intervene. By putting your hand in your right picked you were just checking your small change before lamping the poor bloke and breaking his eye socket.

“You yourself have previous convictions but they are now old. You have caring responsibilities. I am not going to waste your time by delaying this case any longer.”

Judge Mathieson sentenced Biancospino to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay a surcharge.