A YOUNG father attacked another youth after "bad blood" erupted on Boxing Day.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Daniel Topping sustained a loose tooth and a wounded lip after he was punched by Michael Christopher Greenwood.

Greenwood, of Chapelhouse Road, Nelson, who struck after Mr Topping had tried to sneak out of Paradise Island, Burnley, was ordered to pay £250 compensation after admitting assault causing actual bodily harm.

Joanne Shahzada, prosecuting, said Mr Topping had been going out with Michelle Waterworth - whose ex-boyfriend was the defendant's friend - for about seven months.

On Boxing Day night, Mr Topping was in the pub and tried to leave through the fire exit because of earlier trouble with Greenwood. He then felt a push in the back and was struck in the mouth. One of his front teeth was bent back and both his lips were split.

Miss Shahzada said Mr Topping was then grabbed by the shirt , had his upper body pulled down and he was kicked in the arm. The victim walked around the front of the pub where the defendant asked: "Do you want some more?" and pointed at his knuckles.

Mr Topping now suffered pain when eating hard food and needed a second X-ray to see how the bent tooth had set.

Philip Turner, defending, said Greenwood did not have any previous convictions for violence or public order. He had been the victim and suffered provocation for some time.

He said that shortly before Christmas, Mr Topping abused the defendant and then ran behind his girlfriend who hit Greenwood in the face. That started the "bad blood"

Mr Turner said on the night of the offence, both defendant and Mr Topping would say the other was staring at them. Greenwood lost his temper and punched Mr Topping because of the attitude of others towards him. Mr Topping's girlfriend then tried to hit him with a bottle. It appeared there would be no permanent problems from Mr Topping's injuries. Greenwood pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.