A 26-YEAR-OLD man who punched a man in front of several police officers close to the police station has escaped a custodial sentence.

Mark Rothwell, of Kingfisher Court, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to unlawfully wounding 39-year-old Derek Lee on February 2 this year.

Andrew Alty, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court that Mr Lee had been out in Blackburn and there had been an altercation in the early part of the evening.

Later he told two police officers and pointed out a group that also included Rothwell.

The group was followed and in full view of several officers Rothwell was seen to step forward swing his right arm over and punch Mr Lee to the left hand side of his face. It caused Mr Lee to fall backwards cracking his head on the pavement and effectively knocked himself out, said Mr Alty. Mr Lee needed stitches for a 5cm laceration to the side of his head and he spent two nights in hospital.

When interviewed by police, Rothwell said Mr Lee had been involved earlier in the evening with a scuffle with a group of his friends. He apologised for the offence.

Charles Brown, defending, said Mr Lee had behaved badly in the club and outside and Rothwell over-reacted.

Rothwell, who had other convictions had now settled down and was working hard.

Rothwell was sentenced to a 12-month community rehabilitation order and a 50-hour community punishment order. He was also ordered to pay £350 costs.