A SCRAP metal dealer may be facing jail after being convicted of attacking a father of two.

Thomas Smith, 26, of The Oaks, Meadow Street, Great Harwood, was found guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm, after a three-day trial at Burnley Crown Court.

The defendant, who had denied the charge, had his case adjourned until August 7 for a pre-sentence report.

The court had been told Smith's victim Philip Cocker had gone to the aid of a schoolboy the defendant had been chasing around a car in Great Harwood, last November.

Mr Cocker had told both Smith and the 15 year old, who had been asking for help, to go away. The defendant had held out his hands apparently complying with the request.

Louise Whaites, prosecuting, said at that point, the victim, who was in the area visiting his two children, turned to go back into his former partner's house but was punched in the face.

He fell to the floor and was unconscious for a short time. A neighbour went outside to help Mr Cocker.

Mr Cocker suffered two broken front teeth, cuts and bruises to his chin, a wound to his lip and had to have dental treatment.

Miss Whaites said when the defendant was interviewed by police he said he had earlier been to a funeral, had a lot to drink and had got home in the early hours.

An identification parade was later organised, Mr Cocker and the neighbour attended and both picked out Smith.