A man enjoying a night out with friends in Burnley town centre was knocked unconscious.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court watched CCTV coverage of the incident which showed John McParland run at the victim, who was walking backwards, and punch him in the face.

District Judge Alexandra Preston told McParland she had dealt with similar situations where people had suffered extremely serious injuries.

“You can be thankful that he did not suffer serious injuries,” said District Judge Preston.

“If he had you would be in the Crown Court and you would be going to prison for a long time.”

McParland, 24, of Stockbridge Road, Padiham, pleaded guilty to the assault, which occurred on May 31, 2021.

He was sentenced to six months in prison suspended for 18 months, made subject to an alcohol abstinence monitoring  tag for 120 days and a curfew between 7pm and 6am for 12 weeks.

He was ordered to pay £50 compensation to the victim.

District Judge Preston said the CCTV footage showed a group of young men behaving “loutishly” in the street late at night.

“You charged at the victim when he was walking backwards and retiring from the fight,” said District Judge Preston.

She said she had been given no explanation by the prosecution why it had taken two-and-a-half years for the case to come to court.

“That delay has given you the chance to turn your life around,” said District Judge Preston.

“You have not offended since this incident, you have got a job and you have shown genuine remorse.

“I hope you have grown out of offending and that we will never see you again in these courts.”

Liz Hayton, prosecuting, said McParland had convictions for assault in 2016, two in 2018 and one in 2019 as well as other convictions for assault.

Daniel Frazer, mitigating, said it was four years since his client last appeared in court.

“This offence happened over two years ago and there have been no offences since,” said Mr Frazer.

“He is now gainfully employed in a position of trust and has two young children who he hopes to be able to continue to look after.”