A MAN refused entry into a Darwen nightclub retaliated by slamming the door on the finger of a doorman, chopping the tip of one of his fingers off.

Preston Crown Court heard how, after suffering the agonising injury, Adrian Firth managed to find the tip of the ring finger of his left hand and take it to hospital, but doctors were unable to sew it back on and he was left with permanent disability.

His attacker, Neil Coe, 34, of Rosehill Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. He was sentenced to 150 hours unpaid work for the community and pay Mr Firth £1,000 in compensation. Judge Brian Duckworth told him: "Even though it was reckless it was nonetheless a vicious and cruel thing to do."

Chris Godfrey, prosecuting, told the court the offence had taken place on March 9 this year at the Privilege's nightclub in Darwen at 12.50am. Coe, who had been drinking, asked for free entry to the club as he knew the owner.

When refused he became aggressive and said: "I'm going to rip your throat out. I'm going to kill your mother."

There then followed a stream of verbal abuse and he lunged at Mr Firth who pushed him back through the open door which opened outwards. Coe kicked the door three times.

Mr Firth had the top of his finger completely severed. He screamed in pain and ran after Coe who was driven away in a taxi.

When arrested there was a tussle at the police station. He denied he had caused the injury and making threats.

Miss Kath Johnson, defending, said Coe was remorseful, had apologised, and suffered sleepless nights waiting the outcome of the case.

Judge Duckworth told Coe, who had a record going back 20 years, that he had narrowly escaped going to prison."