THREE people, including a mother and her three-year-old child, were attacked within minutes when a man went on the rampage.

Magistrates in Burnley heard how Osman Bacha, 27, started off vandalising a car on Church Street before charging at the terrified mother and her daughter and striking them both.

A man who went to their aid was also hit before Bacha shouted, 'I hate the public,' and ran off.

The little girl was unhurt but was so upset by her ordeal she cried herself to sleep that night.

The court was told how Bacha, who has severe learning difficulties, had just suffered the death of his mother and was angry and upset his family were going to Pakistan for her funeral without him.

Bacha, who lives in supported housing in Accrington, admitted damage and three counts of assault and was given a 12-month conditional discharge. He had no previous convictions.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, told the court the mother and her three-year-old were walking on Church Street.

Bacha charged at the woman, punched her in the stomach, ran away but then ran at her again.

The defendant caught the child with a glancing blow above her ear as he tried to strike her mother again.

The mother suffered pain, a sore arm, a grazed elbow and was almost knocked off her feet by the blow to her stomach.

She was shocked and frightened while her daughter, although not injured, was so upset she later cried herself to sleep.

The mother took her daughter to the doctor for a check-up.

Mr Robinson said passer-by Aaron Cotterill saw the attacks and went to ask Bacha what he was doing.

The defendant told him he did not like the colour of him and hit him before saying he hated the public and running off.

He was arrested by a police officer who was nearby.

Bacha told the officer, 'Don't hit me,' but was then co-operative.

He told police he was angry and upset but he was sorry and realised what he did was wrong.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Bacha's care was administered by Lancashire County Council.

His mother died two weeks previously and his family had been due to fly out to Pakistan for the funeral.

His upset caused him to behave in an irrational manner.

Mr Tindall added the defendant had spent a number of hours in custody. He was very sorry for his behaviour and the incident was isolated.