AN 18-year-old man who launched an unprovoked attack on a school caretaker's husband had no memory of the incident because he had been taking drugs, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Matthew Harrison called Graham Aspen's wife "caretaker bitch" and punched her husband in the face when he remonstrated with him. He landed a second punch before Mr Aspen was able to restrain him.

The older man later told police: "I didn't want to hurt him or be involved in a fight because I am an adult and he is only a child."

Harrison, of Preston Old Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Aspen causing him actual bodily harm. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Neil White, prosecuting, said Mr Aspen was helping his wife at St Francis School when he heard the first insult.

"Initially he ignored the abuse, but when he saw he was becoming aggressive towards his wife Mr Aspen approached him and asked him to leave the school grounds," said Mr White. "Without warning Harrison punched him in the face. When he repeated the request he was punched again."

Mr Aspen was also bitten and suffered a black eye and other bruises. As a result of the bite Mr Aspen had to undergo a six-week course of treatment for hepatitis B.

Sian Hall, defending, said her client could not recall any of the circumstances of the incident in June. She added: "For about 20 months he was heavily reliant on drugs such as LSD and amphetamine."