AN angry man left his girlfriend's father bleeding heavily after an unprovoked street attack, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Peter William Hardman punched victim George Brennan, 29 years his senior, and was then said to have thrown him over some railings. Mr Brennan suffered injuries to his eye, lip and ear.

Hardman, of Phillip Street, Barnoldswick, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, on March 9. He was given 100 hours' community punishment and told to pay £250 compensation.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, told the court Mr Brennan, 62, was returning from work when he came across the defendant.

Hardman attacked him "out of the blue,"punching Mr Brennan twice. The victim staggered back, bleeding, before the defendant picked him up and threw him over railings. Hardman had a previous conviction in 2002 for common assault. David Lawson, defending, said the offence did not appear to be premeditated.

Things between the parties had been "bubbling for some time" and the assault took place against a background of family strife, he said. The parents of Hardman's partner had babysat for her children and she and the defendant had returned home about 20 minutes late.

Mr Brennan became aggressive and a family row followed. The defendant asked Mr Brennan to leave and there had been problems since.