A BAD-tempered shop fitter punched a cabbie for no reason - and later told police he had "snapped," a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Steven Anthony Irwin, 19, admitted to officers he had been in "a bit of a mood," but shouldn't have hit the driver.

The victim, who worked for a Helmshore taxi firm, was left with a bloody nose, split lip and sore and loose teeth after the unprovoked attack, last November 4.

Irwin, of Barnes Avenue, Rawtenstall, who had no previous convictions, admitted

common assault and was given 60 hours community punishment. He must also pay £200 compensation and £69 costs.

Irwin was told by the bench the assault was "nasty," and committed on a man merely going about his business.

Joanne Shahzada, prosecuting, said the victim took the defendant to Barnes Avenue and Irwin became abusive.

When they arrived at Irwin's home, he dropped the fare for the journey on the seat instead of giving it to the taxi driver.

He then started to punch the driver about the head for no reason.

The cabbie made no attempt to fight back, tried to protect himself and was struck several times.

Miss Shahzada said the defendant got out of the taxi and started to walk around to the driver's door.

The victim then took the opportunity to drive off and went to the police station. He was later taken to hospital.

When Irwin was interviewed by officers, he said he had had a disagreement with the driver a couple of weeks before and was in a "bit of a mood." He said he had snapped and punched him.

Gareth Price, defending, said Irwin had no previous convictions. He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and accepted from day one he had assaulted the taxi driver.

The offence was out of character. The defendant could not explain why he snapped but the offence was brought on by drink. He had drunk more than he normally would but had now reduced his intake of alcohol to virtually nothing and had moved back home with his father and stepmother.