A HOLLAND'S Pies worker who smashed a man's jaw as he was unhappy over the letting of a house has walked free from court.

Burnley Crown Court heard Benjamin Maud lost his temper and twice punched Nazam Hussain in the face. The victim was left scared to go out alone after the attack at Accrington Jobcentre in May.

Judge Beverley Lunt told the defendant his conduct had been disgraceful and it did him no credit that he had told a probation officer he did not feel sorry for Mr Hussain.

But, she continued, Maud was not a risk to the public. The judge added: "You have come very close to going to prison."

Maud, of Coniston Avenue, Accrington, admitted grievous bodily harm. He was given 200 hours community punishment and must pay £1,000 compensation. He had no previous convictions.

David Pojur, prosecuting, said Mr Hussain's brother had rented a house to the defendant's girlfriend and £30 had been exchanged.

The defendant saw Mr Hussain at the Jobcentre, lost his temper and punched him. Mr Hussain had to have two metal plates put in his jaw under anaesthetic.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Maud's girlfriend had rented a property from Mr Hussain's family and it had had no electricity and was in an appalling state. He persuaded her not to move in and she wanted her deposit back. But the family refused to pay it back even though Maud's girlfriend had not moved in.

Mr Stuart said Maud did not intend to cause such serious injury and he apologised. The attack was not sustained and no weapon was used.

Maud came from a respectable and decent family. He knew he could lose his liberty but the offence was a one-off when the defendant lost his temper. He now regretted the incident.

The barrister asked: "For two punches, does the defendant have to lose his liberty and employment when he has already lost his good character?."