A SUB-contractor attacked a one time love rival with a pool cue, a court heard.

Burnley Crown Court heard how personal antagonism between Peter McNamara and his victim Simon Greenwood had "simmered below the surface."

Mr Greenwood was said to have had a brief affair with the defendant's long term partner and violence erupted when the men met up in the Commercial Hotel in Stacksteads.

McNamara, 45, was spared a jail term by Judge Anthony Proctor who told him he had been considering a short sharp sentence.

The judge said he found exceptional circumstances because the defendant had several people working for him and if he went to prison his business would probably fold.

The defendant, of Osborne Terrace, Stacksteads, was given a four month jail term, suspended for a year and ordered to pay £400 compensation and £200 costs. He admitted assault.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said the two men exchanged abuse.

The defendant left the pub, returned with a friend and followed Mr Greenwood into the pool room. He then hit Mr Greenwood with the cue, knocking him to the ground. Mr Greenwood lifted up his arm and received a blow to the forearm. He suffered cuts and bruises.

June Morris, defending, handed the judge testimonials, including one from Peter Heyworth, a former Mayor of Rossendale.

She claimed McNamara used excessive self defence. He was hard working man, had been in a relationship with his partner for eight years and had brought up her children.

Miss Morris added McNamara offered his profound apologies to the victim who he had known for 20 years.

He had been taunted by Mr Greenwood who had laughed at him because of his brief relationship with the defendant's partner.