A BAR worker at a Blackburn club was punched in the face by a man who had earlier argued with committee members.

Tina Jones, 23, had gone to call a taxi, having completed her shift, when the violence occurred at Audley Working Men's Club. Her attacker accused her of hitting his wife.

Preston Crown Court heard that the man responsible, William Gallagher, later told police in interview that he had no recollection of assaulting her.

The 53-year-old man, of Lytham Road, Blackburn, had pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was ordered to do eighty hours' community work and pay £500 compensation.

Miss Rachael Woods, prosecuting, said it was February last year when Miss Jones had been working behind the bar at the club. She was aware there had been some sort of incident in another room that night, but this had not involved her in any way.

After finishing her shift and while leaving to call a taxi she became aware of an argument between the defendant and two or three committee members.

She took no notice of the row, but waited until they had gone outside before going to where the phone was.

She could hear shouting. After about five minutes the door opened and Gallagher walked in and alleged that Miss Jones had hit his wife.

Mr Fraser Livesey, defending, submitted that the court should follow the recommendations of a pre-sentence report by passing a community punishment order, with compensation.

He said Gallagher offered to pay compensation. He had no record for violence and was described as being a trustworthy and reliable worker.