WAJID Hussain's parting shot after being sacked from Prestige Medical was to punch one of his bosses.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Nigel Baldwin was knocked off his feet and banged his head against a metal fire exit bar.

When being treated at Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Mr Baldwin passed out and needed oxygen and constant monitoring for half an hour.

The chairman of the bench told Hussain that had one more blow been struck, he would have gone to prison.

Hussain, 21, of Bicknell Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 18 months with a condition that he attends the Think First programme and ordered to pay £200 compensation to Mr Baldwin.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said Mr Baldwin had been asked to take production worker Hussain into the manager's office, tell him he was sacked, take him to collect his belongings and escort him off the premises.

As they left the reception area Hussain accused Mr Baldwin of being a racist. Mr Baldwin was about to go back inside when Hussain spoke. As he turned to face him, Mr Baldwin was punched on the nose.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said Hussain felt he had been victimised. "There were no problems with his work but it was suggested his time keeping was at fault. He says his dismissal was abrupt and he was shocked."

Mr Ditta said Hussain blamed Mr Baldwin for getting him fired. "As they were leaving the building, in front of the receptionist, a racist comment was made towards my client. That made him boil over," said Mr Ditta.

Ms Worsley said the prosecution did not accept the punch was provoked by a racist comment.