A TEENAGER who headbutted a man in the face after a nightclub fracas could be facing jail -- which came as a surprise to him.

Burnley magistrates heard that Philip Palmer's victim, teetotal Billy Martin, was an innocent bystander who ended up pouring with blood.

The defendant, a labourer, afterwards told the police he was not sorry for what he had done and Palmer's solicitor said Mr Martin was a victim of a misunderstanding.

Palmer, of Church Street, Burnley, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was bailed for a pre-sentence report.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Mr Martin suffered a two-inch gash on his forehead after the attack in The Works, in Burnley, on Saturday.

He was headbutted in the face without warning and blood was pouring from his wound. Mr Martin was taken to hospital, where the cut was glued back together.

Mr Martin, who suffered constant headaches afterwards, told police he had been completely sober as he did not drink. He had never been involved in a fight.

Mr Robinson said the victim had not been in any sort of trouble in the club. Palmer told police he had had about seven pints of lager. Rachel Adamson, defending, said Palmer had misunderstood the situation and accepted he had told police he did not regret what he had done.

Now he knew the victim was an entirely innocent bystander, Palmer had changed his view completely. He had no record of violence and the attack was not sustained.

Miss Adamson told the court Palmer had not fully appreciated that what he had done was so serious. He had "visibly blanched" when told what the consequences might be and that he was in danger of going to prison.

He was truly frightened at the prospect.

The solicitor added the defendant would have learned a great deal by his court appearance.