A WAREHOUSE manager suffered facial injuries after a "big stocky" man allegedly walked in with a suspended employee and smacked him in the face, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Andrew Parker, 36, was seen by workmates half-kneeling on the floor at Lotus Water Garden Products, with blood coming from his injuries, as two men walked calmly away. One of the two was recognised by a colleague as David Henderson, who was subject to a police investigation, and the other was big and stocky.

Mark Putterill, 24, of Hurst Street, Burnley, denies inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Parker at the Junction Street premises in Burnley last September. The jury was told that a surgeon who saw Mr Parker at Burnley General Hospital, said the alleged victim told him he had been punched once in the face. He had suffered a fractured right cheekbone, bruising and swelling. The injuries he sustained were consistent with what he had told him.

The court heard that Putterill told police Mr Henderson said he had been having problems with his "supervisor" at work and he had asked him to accompany him for support. Putterill claimed the "supervisor" and Mr Henderson had a few words and then Mr Henderson hit him. The defendant said he did not hit Mr Parker, but Mr Henderson did and then they left. He claimed cuts on his hand had been received fighting with his brother.

In his interview with officers, the defendant said he wasn't "getting done" for something he had not done.

(Proceeding)

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