A 23-YEAR-OLD man launched an unprovoked attack on another man who was standing outside a Whalley nightclub minding his own business.

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim was knocked unconscious by the single punch to the back of his head.

And the chairman of the magistrates warned Joshua Joel Holmes of the potentially lethal consequences of his actions.

“If you are in the business of going up behind people and punching them on the back of the head there is a good chance you will kill someone,” he said.

Holmes, 23, of East Lancashire Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Ionut Mecles. He was given a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay £100 costs and £100 compensation.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Mr Mecles was enjoying a night out with friends but had only had three alcoholic drinks. He was standing outside Rio’s talking to a friend when suddenly, without warning, he felt a blow to the back of his head.

“He had no idea what had happened to him,” said Miss Allan. “He looked round and saw a man with no top on taking up a boxing stance and inviting people to fight with him. He then blacked out.”

Miss Allan said Mr Mecles did not understand why he’d been hit. “He hadn’t fallen out with anyone inside or outside the club,” she added.