A LANDLADY'S son who went to break up a New Year fracas and ended up lashing out, has walked free from court.

Burnley Crown Court had heard how Paul Bradburn, 31, lost his temper after being subjected to racist remarks. Although he was holding a bottle, it could not be proved that came into contact with the complainant, who may have been injured by Bradburn's rings.

Bradburn, of Borrowdale Drive, Rochdale, was given 40 hours community service, after Judge Raymond Bennett said what happened took place on a night when too much drink was taken. The defendant admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Osman, prosecuting, said the aggrieved was playing pool with friends in the Railway public house, Padiham, in the early hours of last New Year's Day. A row developed, the complainant struck another lad and Bradburn tried to split it up.

Racist remarks were made and the defendant lost his temper, striking the aggrieved to the side of the head. The youth suffered a cut above his eye.

Bradburn was later arrested, said he had been racially abused and the injury had been caused by his rings rather than a bottle.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Bradburn had a decent job and was paying child maintenance.

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