RICHARD Thomas Studholme attacked a friend of his former girlfriend after the "green-eyed monster" came into play.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the three had spent the evening talking amicably before the atmosphere turned unpleasant.

Studholme then threw a can opener, hitting the other man in the face, and as he tried to flee smashed a window in his vehicle with a spade.

Studholme, 62, of Devon Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting David Almond and damaging his vehicle. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £65 costs.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said Sandra Lewis had a long-term relationship with Studholme and during that time David Almond had been a lodger at her house. She said the two men had always got on during that period.