An angry pub landlord who assaulted an ex-employee left him with a smashed collarbone, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Timothy Nelson, 43, had been responsible for "rough handling," victim Barry Green, with whom he had a dispute, when the pair met by chance in Bacup, last October.

The defendant, who told Mr Green he was "Dead man walking," got hold of him, pushed him up against a wall and Mr Green fell to the floor. The defendant ended up on top of him and Mr Green suffered a fractured clavical, the court was told.

Nelson, of the Wagon and Horses, Colne Road, Burnley, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. The defendant, who had no previous convictions, was given a 12 month community order with 75 hours unpaid work. He must pay £500 compensation.

Sentencing, Judge Christopher Cornwall said it had not been the defendant's intention go cause Mr Green's injury.

The judge went on :"This case illustrates, as case after case in the crown court does, when unlawful force is used there is no saying what the consequences might be.

"Had he fallen badly or hit his head on the pavement he might have died. He might have been a paraplegic and thefeore the message is don't resort to unlawful violence."