A MAN walking through Blackburn town centre was attacked and punched by three men for no apparent reason, a court was told.
The town's magistrates heard that Kashif Mukhtar landed the first blow and then his two companions joined in.
Mukhtar, 21, of Earl Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assault.
He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £150 compensation to the victim.
Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said the man had initially ignored comments made by the group and continued on his way.
But the thugs then followed him before Mukhtar confronted him, saying: "What's your problem?"
He then punched the victim on the nose.
Mr Ainge said the other two men had previously pleaded guilty to assault, causing actual bodily harm, and had each been fined £50 and ordered to pay £200 compensation.
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