A TECHNICAL engineer has been cleared of attacking a man with a cup after a drink and drugs party at his then girlfriend's home.

David Knowles, 25, was found not guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm, last April, after a trial at Burnley Crown Court.

The defendant, of Casterton Avenue, Burnley, had denied the allegation. He was discharged from the dock by Judge Barbara Watson.

The court had heard claims the defendant lost it and hit complainant Ryan Walton with the cup after the alleged victim was said to have wound him up.

Mr Walton, who had stayed at Lesley Woods' house after other revellers had gone, fell to the sofa bleeding from the head.

Giving evidence, the defendant said he told Mr Walton he would have to leave and he did not realise he had the cup in his hand.

The defendant told the jury Mr Walton leapt up and put his face up to his. Knowles said he put his arm up to protect himself as he thought he was going to be headbutted. Knowles claimed the cup broke on Mr Walton's head and the pair hit each other.

The defendant said he went home. Later, Miss Woods turned up and he called police after he told her to go away and she was kicking the door. He was arrested after Miss Woods spoke to an officer.