DAVID Anthony Hutchinson brandished a pool cue like a baseball bat during a pub dispute with another man.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the other man, Paul Wray was eventually struck in the kidney region although Hutchinson claimed the assault had been reckless rather than deliberate.

Hutchinson, 23, of Coniston Close, Longridge, pleaded guilty to assaulting Paul Wray causing him actual bodily harm. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £65 costs.

John Woods, prosecuting, said Mr Wray was in the White Bull in Longridge playing pool in an upstairs room. He was taking a shot when he felt a blow to his hand and when he turned round saw Hutchinson twirling a cue. He told Hutchinson to watch what he was doing.

"Hutchinson then swung the cue backwards as though it was a baseball bat and struck Mr Wray above the kidney area," said Mr Woods. "Mr Wray felt a great deal of pain and a large swelling came up above his hip."

Gillian Lord, defending, said Hutchinson had been to a funeral that day and had drunk about five pints of lager at the wake.

In the pool room he accepted that he had been twirling a cue and had accidentally caught Mr Wray on the thumb.

"He was acting the goat when he swung the cue and was genuinely surprised when the blow connected," said Miss Lloyd. "He went over and apologised for what happened and has spoken to Mr Wray since and apologised further."