A MAN has been cleared of slashing another man's face outside Burnley Superbowl.

Michael Furlong was found not guilty of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm by a Burnley Crown Court jury after a three-day trial.

Furlong, 30, of Cambridge Close, Padiham, was discharged by Judge Raymond Bennett.

The prosecution had alleged Furlong knifed Mark Putterill, causing a six-inch wound.

Mr Putterill spent two days in hospital and was left badly scarred after the alleged attack.

Mr Putterill, who told the jury he was also sprayed with CS gas, said he did not see the face of the person who produced the knife.

He denied a suggestion from Furlong's counsel, Alan Wolstenholme, that he was pointing the finger at the defendant to further his claim for Criminal Injuries Compensation.

Mr Putterill claimed that when he attended Burnley Crown Court the first time the case was due for trial, he was offered £12,000 not to give evidence.

It was not true he had asked for cash to drop the charge.

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