AN ex-convict who beat up a man who called him a "puff," was today starting a nine months jail term.

Burnley Crown Court heard how long-time criminal Michael Haggerty, 41, was "wound up," for entertainment in Barnoldswick and targeted by local youths.

But a judge told him he had made a rod for his own back.

Recorder Teresa Griffiths told Haggerty, a roofing labourer, he had struck his victim twice while he was on the ground and revelled in exacting retribution.

He had gone too far in self defence.

The defendant, of Pickard Close, Barnoldswick, had earlier admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Charles Brown, prosecuting, said in January victim Paul Norcross came out of a pub and saw the defendant walking in front of him.

The victim called Haggerty a puff, not intending he would hear it, but he did.

Haggerty turned round and hit him four times.

Mr Norcross went to the ground on his hands and knees and was struck two further blows by the defendant who said :"Boom," each time a punch landed.

Mr Brown said the police arrived during the latter part of the assault. Mr Norcross made no attempt to resist or strike back.

Haggerty was arrested and when he was interviewed, claimed he had been acting in self defence.

The victim suffered a smashed jaw and had to have an operation under general anaesthetic.

Martin Hackett, defending, said Haggerty realised he could not continue to live in the Barnoldswick area or this sort of thing would happen time and again.