A PARTY host's nose ‘exploded’ after he was punched in the face by a guest when trouble erupted, a court was told.

Alex Bolton was left bleeding and at first feared his nose might be broken — as did second victim Matthew Baker, who was kicked in the head while on the floor, Burnley magistrates heard.

The hearing was told how Mr Bolton had challenged a friend at the gathering and had told him to calm down.

The friend had argued with his partner and started slamming doors at the flat, which was Mr Bolton's home. Others got involved and Robert Ganley hit Mr Bolton and then joined in a group attack on Mr Baker. Mr Bolton went to hospital and Mr Baker was left with soreness, bruises and swelling to his face .

Ganley, 19, who was on bail for wounding at the time, admitted two counts of assault by beating.

The defendant, of Cobden Street, Burnley, was warned by the bench he was ‘teetering on the edge of custody’.

He was given a four-month curfew, between 7pm and 6am, seven days a week and must pay each victim £50 compensation.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said when Mr Bolton challenged his friend, he may have given others the impression they were arguing and the defendant and another man got involved. Ganley punched Mr Bolton, his nose started bleeding and he was bent over double.

Mr Robinson said the defendant was on bail at the time and on May 28, was given a suspended jail term at the crown court.