A BLACKBURN gym owner turned up at a plasterer's home and attacked him with a metal cosh after he failed to turn up for work, a jury heard.

Burnley Crown Court was told that Simon Jones, 28, who was also head of security at a Blackburn nightclub, threw Russell McConchie against a wall, threatened to send "the boys" round to kneecap him and said his home would be burned down.

Mr McConchie claimed he was hit between 10 and 15 times until the cosh broke, and told the court he had "19 and a half stones," bearing down on him. He suffered multiple bruises went to hospital after the alleged beating..

But Jones, who was setting up the gym at the time, alleges Mr McConchie made up the allegation in revenge because Jones slept with his long-term partner.

The defendant, of Lee Street, Barrowford, denies assault causing actual bodily harm.

Guy Mathieson, prosecuting, said the men had known each other for 10 years through the building trade and there may well be "considerable history," between them.

He said that on the day of the alleged offence Mr McConchie had not turned up for work and Jones arrived at his house at night and attacked him.

Giving evidence, Mr McConchie said he had worked unpaid for six weeks on the gym to repay a £2,000 debt owed to Jones. He said he answered the door and Jones "just walked in". Mr McConchie claimed he thought the defendant was going to hit his girlfriend Angela Crabtree so he put his arms up to stop him. He said Jones then started hitting him and threw him against the wall.

The alleged victim, of Barrowford, went on: "He was threatening me , going on about his gym and that I had been taking the mick out of him."

Mr McConchie said Jones told him if he was one minute late when being picked up for work the next morning, he would get some lads round to kneecap him - and if they didn't get him, his home would be burned down with both Mr McConchie and his partner in it.

He said: "I laughed because it was like something out of a movie." He claimed Jones "shoulder barged," him on to the settee and left.

Cross-examined by Martin Hackett, defending, Mr McConchie admitted he had previous convictions for violence.

Mr Hackett asked : "Has your current girlfriend ever had a relationship with Simon Jones?" Mr McConchie: "Not that I know of."

Mr Hackett went on :"I suggest your girlfriend and the defendant had a very brief relationship in 2002 and slept together three times."

The complainant answered: "If she did, she was still with me. I don't know anything about that. I have been with her seven years."

The barrister continued: "That's why you are making this allegation up, because you found out the defendant had been with your girlfriend."

Mr McConchie replied: "That's the first I have heard of it."

(Proceeding)