A MAN was subjected to a prolonged attack after opening his door to an ‘acquaintance’ in the early hours of the morning.

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim had initially tried to ignore the banging on the door.

He then answered and told Aaron Newton to go away.

But the second time he opened his door to repeat the request, Peter Liddiard was knocked to the floor and repeatedly punched.

The court heard he was unable to defend himself because of an injury to his arm and throughout the attack was pleading with Newton not to hurt him.

Newton, 28, of Blackburn Road, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to assault.

He was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to an electronically monitored curfew for six weeks between 7pm and 7am, ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work and pay £520 compensation.