A DRUNKEN man sank his teeth into another man's nose in a Burnley bar because he thought he was laughing at his friend, a court heard.

Peter Corvino , 21, wouldn't let go of Matthew Stockburn as the victim tried to shake him off.

Mr Stockburn, attacked "out of the blue", managed to free himself but was then punched in the face by the defendant outside the premises, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Mr Stockburn had been in agony, was left with a lacerated nose and thought he would be permanently scarred, the court was told.

Corvino, of St Leonard's Street, Padiham, was given a 12-month community order with 250 hours unpaid work, after admitting assault causing actual bodily harm. He must also pay £300 compensation.

Sentencing, Recorder Susan Hatfield told the defendant the offence was "very nasty" and that the victim had done nothing to warrant such violence.

Roger Baldwin, defending, said the case highlighted the evils of drink.