A JOB centre worker suffered two broken ribs and a punctured lung after she was pushed in a nightclub.

Burnley Crown Court heard how the victim fell against the corner of a platform which had the disco on and although at first thought to be just bruised, had to be taken to hospital.

Her 'attacker' Malcolm McLaughlin was given an 18 month community rehabilitation order after earlier admitting assault causing actual bodily harm.

Sentencing the defendant, of St Michael's Court, Blackburn, Judge Raymond Bennett said he must accept such medical treatment as he was advised to.

He said there was no suggestion McLaughlin had followed up the push with anything violent to the woman.

The judge said the defendant had no previous convictions for violence but although the assault had serious consequences for the victim, McLaughlin had not expected that and neither had anybody else.

Judge Bennett said McLaughlin was alleged to fear other people and it may well have been that the complainant approached him from behind.

He went on: "You reacted in a way a normal person wouldn't. A normal person wouldn't have pushed her."

The judge added a psychiatrist reported that the defendant had problems rooted in his childhood and would benefit from help.