A GATECRASHER who beat up the "birthday boy's" stepdad in front of the man's wife at an 18th celebration has been jailed for 15 months.

Burnley Crown Court had heard how Dennis Slater, 21, had been involved in trouble where the food was being dished out and had been asked to leave after going into the ladies' toilet to wash off chocolate cake that had been thrown at him.

He head butted victim Gary Cornwall, 46, and then kicked and stamped on his head for at least two minutes, leaving him unconscious.

Slater, of Heywood Road, Accrington, had earlier been convicted by a jury of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Michael Lavery, prosecuting, said the birthday party was at the Free Gardeners WMC in Rishton, and Mr Cornwall went to ask Slater to leave when it was brought to his attention he had been misbehaving.

The defendant became abusive and aggressive and head butted the complainant who went to the floor. He then kicked and stamped on his head, with full force kicks. Mr Cornwall was rendered unconscious and others became involved, dragging Slater away from him.

When the defendant was interviewed, he claimed Mr Cornwall had "nutted" him.

The complainant suffered swelling to his eye, a painful cheek, a cut nose and was off work for a week, although X-rays revealed no fractures.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Mr Cornwall's injuries were not grave although serious injury often resulted from such behaviour.

Slater alleged Mr Cornwall hit him first, he then hit him back and kicked him once on the floor.

The defendant had made great strides to keep out of trouble.

He had once mixed with those who did not work, committed crime and used drugs, but had got rid of his previous friends.