A MAN was arrested following an early hours fracas after police saw him punchi ng somebody on the ground.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Mark Gammage, 22, who seemed drunk, had been standing over the other man in the middle of Market Street, Colne.

Gammage, of Holly Street, Nelson, admitted threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and was given a 12 months conditional discharge.

Gill Lloyd, defending, said Gammage had been to Zebras nightclub and outside the other man was being "lippy," and making a nuisance of himself.

The defendant asked him to go away and the man struck Gammage in the eye. He was injured and his response was to hit the man back.

Mrs Lloyd said the man then disappeared off into the crowd. Gammage accepted his behaviour had been inappropriate. The defendant, who had had five or six pints of lager, was dyslexic and looking for labouring or factory work.