A DRUNKARD who attacked a man has won his freedom.

Lee Carrick, 28, beat victim Barry Farthing twice after he was said to have told his girlfriend he had been"kissing and cuddling" another woman.

Carrick, formerly of Police Street, Darwen, but of no fixed abode, then struck again. Mr Farthing was found covered in blood with his face a mess.

But when police arrived, Carrick owned up, apologised, offered his hands to be handcuffed and was arrested, Burnley Crown Court was told.

He was given a two-year community rehabilition order, to address drug and alcohol misuse.

Recorder Alan Conrad QC told the defendant: "It was nasty, but I accept you are ashamed and want to consider something that will help you."

The defendant admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Carrick accepted it was a bad offence.

But he made admissions to police straight away and expressed remorse in interview.

He told police he was sorry and wanted to apologise to Mr Farthing.