A MAN attacked two strangers as they walked home from a night out with their partners, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that James Pallett was punched to the floor and Nicholas Oakley knocked over before being kicked in the face and body.

Lester Korol, 26, of Longsight Avenue, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to assault. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months with a condition that he attends an addressing substance related offending programme. He was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Mr Pallett and £350 to Mr Oakley.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said: Mr Oakley and Mr Pallett were walking home with their respective partners when they were approached by Korol." For no apparent reason he punched Mr Pallett to the floor and then turned on Mr Oakley.

"He was pushed to the floor and kicked in the head and body. Mr Oakley was wearing spectacles which were broken as result of the attack."

Alfred Rebello, defending, said Korol apologised for his behaviour.

He said his client's recollection of the incident was vague because of alcohol which had been an underlying problem in his life.