A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been cleared of "glassing" his former friend outside a Padiham pub on Good Friday.

Mohammed Syed, of Highfield Avenue, Burnley, was found not guilty of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm after a three day trial. He had denied the allegation.

The jury had heard claims alleged victim Dean Derbyshire was attacked after Syed asked him to go round the corner outside the Starkie Arms. Mr Derbyshire had alleged Syed dipped his head and then pushed a glass in his face.

Mr Derbyshire, a former PR and bar worker, had to have stitches in his face and was transferred to hospital in Blackburn after glass got in his eye during the incident.

Syed' s girlfriend, student Shaazia Ul Haq, 21, had told the court Mr Derbyshire had earlier frightened and intimidated her inside the pub by being abusive and aggressive.

She said she heard the complainant shout to Syed that he wanted a word with him. The defendant did not have a drink with him at the time.

Miss Ul Haq told the court Mr Derbyshire was aggressive, swaying because he was so drunk and saying to her boyfriend:"This is my town."

She said the alleged victim had a glass in his hand, was waving it around and lunged at Syed.

She said:"He's a big guy. He could really really upset you. He upset me. He made me feel scared."

Miss Ul Haq said Syed put his hands up to protect himself, she heard a smash and Mr Derbsyhire ran into the pub.