A MAN who punched a motorist he believed had tried to get two girls into his car, has walked free from court.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Danny Hope, 26, had been struck by his victim but then went over the top in hitting him back.

The defendant was told by a judge anybody seeing the pictures of the complainant's injuries would have thought the culprit ought to go to jail.

Recorder Sephton, QC, said that had certainly been his reaction at first as Hope's behaviour had been "wholly excessive."

The judge added he was satisfied the defendant was provoked as he had been told the girls had been "bothered," by the victim.

He said the man had made to hit Hope in the face and he had lost his temper. The defendant had at first denied what he had done to the police but then made a clean breast of it.

Recorder Sephton added he did not think it would be right to order compensation on behalf of the victim in the circumstances.

Hope, of Ribblesdale Street, Burnley, had admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order, to include the Think First programme.

Roger Baldwin, defending, said Hope had been told the aggrieved was trying to get two girls into a car and he chased after him barefoot. He asked the victim if he had tried to get the girls into his car and he said he had because he had been lost.

Hope was going to call the police but the victim struck him and tried to run away. Hope then grabbed him, punched him in the face and both fell to the ground.

Mr Baldwin said the defendant ran home, had intended to call the police but was worried because he knew he had gone too far.

Hope had pleaded guilty even though there had been no sign of the victim on the day of trial. The barrister told the court trouble found Hope.

He had not gone out looking for it. If the victim had not punched him in the mouth, all this may not have happened.

Hope had made considerable strides from being a court regular to somebody who had kept out of trouble.