A DRUNKEN man hit a pub barman and knocked plates to the floor as he served food to customers, a court heard.

Burnley Magistrates were told how Colin Walker, 53, who had wandered behind the bar at the Station Hotel in Nelson, also smashed some glasses and ended up with a broken finger. His solicitor told the court Walker was in such a state, he would not have been able to punch his way out of a paper bag.

Walker, of Vernon Street, Nelson, admitted assault by beating and damage. He was bailed until August 1 for a pre-sentence report and the bench told him they were considering a community rehabilitation order.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said the victim was carrying food, asked the defendant to move and Walker then knocked the plates from his hands.

A confrontation followed and the defendant took a swing at the barman. He was allowed to finish his drink and than asked to leave.

Walker returned and went behind the bar , shouting for another drink and the barman went to speak to the manager. Walker hit out with one of his arms, catching the complainant under his right eye. He then made a grab for a tray of glasses, shook it and number of them fell to the floor.

Brian Irlam, defending, said Walker had effectively been out of trouble for four years. He was not a regular drinker but his family had returned to the UK, he had not seen them for a considerable number of years and wanted to take them out for a meal and drinks to celebrate the reunion.

During the afternoon, Walker had far more to drink than was good for him and believed the glasses were damaged and the barman struck because he was flailing his arms about due to the state he was in.

The defendant ended up with a broken finger, but had been the author of his own misfortune.

Mr Irlam said: "I doubt whether he could have punched his way out of a paper bag on the day in question."

The solicitor added the defendant, who suffered from anxiety and depression and was off work, had been back to the pub to apologise for his behaviour.