A MAN who attacked a 16-year-old after following her from a park was told he must change his ways.

Nathan Beards, 18, had headbutted the victim and flicked a cigarette at her.

Beards then pulled out her ear-ring and broke it, leaving her sobbing.

Beards, of Alexander Grove, Burnley, appeared before Burnley magistrates and admitted assault by beating and damage on April 19 and was bailed for a pre-sentence report.

Elizabeth Reed, prosecuting, said the girl had gone to Ightenhill Park in Burnley with a group. Both the victim and the defendant had drank alcohol. There was a fight in the park, the victim was not happy about it and she left.

The defendant followed her and a row erupted.

Mrs Reed said during the argument, Beards and the victim were forehead to forehead and he pushed her using his head.

He then flicked his cigarette, catching her in the face and causing a slight red injury.

Beards had previous convictions for violence.

Mark Williams, defending, said Beards admitted there had been a "clash of heads."

The girl would not come to court and did not want the case to proceed.