A TAXI office worker allegedly attacked two would-be customers with a pool cue in the early hours of New Year's Day, a jury heard.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Gary Donnelly and Daniel Hirst were both injured and were taken to hospital after Sheraz Bhatti allegedly struck at Ronnies Taxis, Burnley.

Bhatti, 23, of Ivy Street, Burnley, pleads not guilty to two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm.

The prosecutor told the court how the alleged victims had been out with friends to celebrate New Year and Mr Hirst and a friend went to get a taxi.

They were waiting for others from their group to join them and the driver became impatient and asked them to get out. Mr Hirst asked why he could not wait. The defendant then allegedly came out of the taxi office doorway and began abusing Mr Hirst.

As the group was getting into a second cab shortly afterwards Bhatti again came out of the office, shouting the group did not deserve a taxi and the driver shouldn't take them. The group got out again.

Mr Donnelly followed the defendant into the office asking for an explanation.

The prosecutor said Bhatti, who was with two other men, was armed with a snooker or pool cue. The prosecutor added Bhatti approached Mr Donnelly and smashed the cue over his head, cutting his eyebrow. Mr Hirst went inside to see what was going on and was hit over the head with the cue.

The court was told an independent witness, Jason Archer, was sitting in Ronnies Taxi Office and saw the defendant allegedly charge at Mr Donnelly.

Mr Archer, who feared for his safety, ran outside and when he returned minutes later he saw both Mr Hirst and Mr Donnelly staggering out, both bleeding from their heads.

Police were called and both alleged victims and Mr Archer identified the defendant as being responsible.

Mr Hirst and Mr Donnelly went to hospital and both were discharged after treatment. Mr Hirst had suffered a three centimetre wound to his scalp.

(Proceeding)