A man on a night out in Burnley with his girlfriend was attacked by three strangers in a random attack, a court has heard.

Blackburn Magistrates’ Court was told the incident was caught on CCTV, which clearly showed Haydon Lyon repeatedly punching the victim on November 19, 2022.

When a police officer went to arrest Lyon, he punched her on the arm to break free and ran off, the court was told.

Lyon, 24, of Dacre Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to assault and assaulting an emergency worker, and he was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Suzanne Byrne, prosecuting, said the victim did not know any of the three men who attacked him in Burnley town centre.

“One in particular, now identified as the defendant, punched him repeatedly to his face and head,” said Miss Byrne.

“There was clear CCTV of this prolonged assault during which a substantial amount of force was used.”

Miss Byrne said after the assault Lyon was approached by a police officer who was on duty in the town centre.

She took hold of him by the arm, but he punched her arm to enable him to break free and flee the scene.

Mark Williams, in mitigation, said it was accepted a pre-sentence report was required.

This was despite the fact his client only had one previous conviction, when he was a youth and that had not been for violence, he added.

Lyon will be sentenced at a later date.