A FATHER-of-two who left a dancer with a smashed cheekbone and scarring after an unprovoked attack has been jailed.

‘Fighting drunk’ Brent Andrew, 30, struck Mark Noble with a single punch, knocking him out in the early hours in Rawtenstall last July.

Mr Noble also suffered cuts and swelling to his face as well as the undisplaced fracture, Burnley Crown Court heard.

After the beating, Andrew, said to be still looking for trouble, was seen walking up the road ‘pumped up’.

He kicked a road sign then threw it into a river.

Andrew, of Jacksons Buildings, Rawtenstall, admitted grievous bodily harm and affray and was jailed for six months.

He had convictions for assault causing actual bodily harm and threatening words or behaviour.

Recorder Suzanne Goddard QC said the defendant struck for no reason at all and the photos of the victim showed his injuries were appalling.

She said: “No doubt the scar is of concern to him as he works in the entertainment business.”

James Heyworth, prosecuting, said Andrew had been assaulted himself a short time before and mistakenly believed the victim had been party to that assault.

Mr Noble ended up on the floor covered in blood and was bleeding around his cheek and mouth.

Mr Heyworth said Mr Noble, a professional dancer, had swelling to the right side of his face and cuts.

The scarring to his chin was still visible.

Andrew was identified as from town centre CCTV.

Andrew Marrs, defending, handed the court 11 references from friends, family, employers and neighbours.

The defendant acknowledged his behaviour had been absolutely disgraceful and had found it difficult to come to terms with the fact it was him. He was very remorseful.

Mr Marrs added: “Ironically, his new child is called Liberty and that is what he would like to keep, by making reparation to the community.”