A MAN who launched an unprovoked attack in a pub toilet claimed the victim had been looking at his girlfriend - despite not having one.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Lee Howarth, 28, threatened to kill Gavin Mulgrew before leaving him with two black eyes and cuts and marks on his face.

The defendant, of Darnely Street, Burnley, admitted assault by beating, last December 9. He was given a community order, with 18 months supervision and the Think First programme and must pay £150 compensation and £100 costs.

Teresa Feely, prosecuting, told the court the victim was in the General Williams pub in Burnley with family and friends and then went to the nearby Rose and Crown.

Just after midnight, he went to the toilets, heard somebody come in and then felt a bang to the back of his head. He turned round and saw a man he had seen in the pub earlier.

Miss Feely said the defendant then hit Mr Mulgrew several more times to the face and said: "I am fed up of you looking at my girlfriend. You have been looking at her for the past six months."

The court was told that Howarth had not been with his girlfriend for six months. The victim had just come back from 10 months in Australia and was newly engaged.

Howarth continued hitting the victim in the face and took hold of him around the throat so he was struggling to breathe. He was knocked to the floor and the defendant said: "Stay in here for five minutes or else I will kill you."

The prosecutor said Mr Mulgrew left the toilets, his family tended to him and police were called. Howarth was picked out on an identity parade, but made no comment. The defendant had 29 previous convictions.

Mark Williams, defending, said Howarth's recollection of what went on was non-existent. The offence was clearly out of character as he had no previous convictions for violence.

The solicitor added: "He doesn't have a girlfriend. The whole thing is a bit strange."