A RAGING father of three who meant to punch a pub bouncer struck a woman instead -- and smashed three of her teeth.

Burnley magistrates heard how drunken Carl Fancy, 30, had been thrown out of a pub in Barnoldswick after annoying female customers and his victim, shop assistant Dorothy Smith, ended up unconscious outside on the pavement. Her ordeal also left her with facial injuries and bruising and she now suffered a lack of self confidence.

Fancy escaped a jail term after the bench told him they had taken into account his actions had been reckless, but he had put Mrs Smith in real fear.

The defendant, of St Mary's Avenue, Barnoldswsick, admitted affray on December 9 and was given 120 hours community service. He must pay £2,000 compensation.

Maisie Burke, prosecuting, said at about 10pm the defendant had been ejected from the pub, became aggressive and tried to force his way back in.

He started lashing out in the direction of the doormen.

Mrs Smith had just come out of the pub with some friends and was sheltering from the rain in the doorway. Fancy ran towards her in a rage, barged into her and the next thing she recalled she was lying on the pavement.

She was left bleeding from the mouth and three of her front teeth were broken.

Miss Burke said when Fancy was interviewed, he claimed if he had pushed the lady it was a mistake and he had been trying to hit one of the doormen.

He said he had been very drunk after having 14 pints that night.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said the Crown had been prepared to accept Fancy's aggression was directed towards the doormen and not the victim, who, regrettably, got in the way. His actions were reckless rather than deliberate.

The defendant was working and had considerable domestic and financial responsibilities. He did not go out regularly getting drunk and it was the exception rather than the rule.

Mr Tindall said the defendant had been to a birthday party, started drinking earlier and didn't know when to stop. His behaviour was out of character and he did not normally engage in violence.

Fancy could stay out of trouble for long periods of time and the risk of him committing similar offences and causing harm to the public was assessed as extremely low.

He added the defendant regretted his actions and the complainant accepted his actions were not directed towards her. Mr Tindall urged the court to impose a community service order, coupled with a compensation order.