A THUG who left a support worker scarred after attacking him with a bottle in an Accrington bar, has been jailed for two years.

Sylwester Makowiecki, 25, hit victim Cavan Hughes once and possibly more with the neck of the upturned bottle in Baileys Bar, in the early hours of July 28.

Makowiecki, who himself was assaulted in the town two years ago, had claimed he felt threatened by a group of men in the premises who kept bumping into him But, Burnley Crown Court was told, Mr Hughes was a totally innocent victim and the assault on him was completely unprovoked.

He had bumped into the defendant accidentally and had even said: "Excuse me."

Mr Hughes was knocked out and fell flat on his face, bleeding heavily.

Makowiecki, who struck just weeks after coming out of prison, was then set upon by others in the nightclub and was handed over to the police.

The victim suffered three wounds, the most serious of which, on the left side of his forehead, was treated with paper stitches for cosmetic reasons. Father-of-three Makowiecki, of Queen Street, Clayton-le-Moors admitted wounding.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said Mr Hughes was out with friends and bumped into the defendant.

It appeared to be a genuine accident, but Makowiecki hit the victim, sending him to the floor. Friends helped him up.

He could not remember the attack, but was in agony and had blood running down his face. Mr Hughes was taken to hospital.

Miss Statham said after his ordeal, Mr Hughes was left with a scar on his forehead. He had trouble sleeping and felt anxious and wary about going out in social situations.

The defendant was questioned and made no comment. He was picked out on an identification parade by Mr Hughes and a witness.

Makowiecki, who was born in Poland, had nine offences on his record in this country, including assault. In March, he was locked up for eight months for burglary and fraud.

Daniel King, for Makowiecki, said: "He wishes to apologise for what he did. "

The judge told the defendant: "He was an entirely innocent customer in that bar.