A MAN who swallowed a cocktail of drink and drugs at a house party attacked another drinker.

John Moir assaulted Amar Alam inside the house, then outside as he lay on the ground.

He was given a nine months prison sentence by a Preston Crown Court judge who told him: "It was your birthday and you felt you had not received the appropriate attention. A cocktail of alcohol and drugs, coupled with feeling sorry for yourself has caused this otherwise inexplicable outburst."

Moir, 27, of Moorgate Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and possession of a small amount of cannabis. Nick Courtney, prosecuting, told how Mr Alam was at the home of his former partner in Ambleside close, Blackburn, when lager was drunk and cannabis smoked.

He said the defendant took diazepam tablets

Mr Courtney added "The defendant was rather tearful and morose about it being his birthday. He felt very few people noticed that fact."

At one stage Moir suddenly swung a two foot long wooden stick, striking Mr Alam on the head. He continued to hit the man with the stick. Mr Alam ran outside and was hit from behind by Moir. He then repeatedly struck him about the head and body with the stick.

Mr Alam spent three days in hospital where thirteen staples were applied to head injuries.

Jacob Dyer, defending, said the level of violence Moir used was out of character.