A 22-year-old man has been cleared of attacking another man who had two of his teeth knocked out.

Alan Green, of Hygiene, Clayton-le-Moors, was found not guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm after a two-day trial at Burnley Crown Court.

The defendant, who had denied the allegation, was discharged by Judge Raymond Bennett.

The court had heard claims Green, who knew alleged victim Christopher Aspinall, had earlier played a joke on him and spat beer in his face.

They later met at an 18th birthday party and Mr Aspinall spat some beer back at the defendant.

Green was said to have taken exception to that and deliberately hit Mr Aspinall in the mouth with a glass he was carrying.

The defendant told police the whole thing was an accident. He said Mr Aspinall had spat beer at him, he went to throw some drink back and when he did so Mr Aspinall's head came forward and came into contact with his mouth.