A NIGHTCLUBBER who attacked another man has escaped jail after he owned up to what what he had done.

David Duke, 23, who had no previous convictions, hit victim Christopher Heys in The Works in Burnley. A judge told him his guilty plea had spared him a custodial sentence.

Recorder Heather Lloyd told Duke he came from a good home, had a loving family and a good job -- yet he was in the dock charged with behaving like a thug.

The judge said she was satisfied the defendant's behaviour had been out of character and added he had brought shame and upset to his parents.

Duke, of Adelaide Street, Crawshawbooth, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm and was given 240 hours community service at Burnley Crown Court. He must pay £1,000 compensation and £100 costs.

John O'Shea, prosecuting, said Mr Heys was standing near the dance floor when somebody banged into him and spilled some drink over him. He placed his hand on the person's shoulder and asked if he could have some space.

The man went over to Mr Heys and, without saying anything, punched him in the face. Mr Heys suffered a fractured cheekbone. A woman pointed out Duke to the police when they arrived but he denied any knowledge of the attack.

Robert Crawford, defending, said Duke worked hard and had a family who cared. He had been out for the evening, had been drinking and fully accepted responsibility for a single blow to the victim.

Duke, a former pupil of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, had nine GCSEs and although he had perhaps not made the best of his academic ability, he had a good job and was very well thought of at work.

Mr Crawford said Duke had saved up several hundred pounds and could raise up to £1,000 to compensate Mr Heys. It was unlikely he would offend or appear before a court again.

The barrister added both Duke and his family regretted what he had done.