A MAN who admitted beating a relative's former lover with a pool cue in a Church pub has had his case further adjourned after witnesses failed to attend court.

Peter Campbell, 21, of York Street, Church, attacked roofer Harold Johnson in the Commercial Hotel on September 30, 1998.

Mr Johnson, 48, of Blackburn Road, Accrington, died an hour later on the doorstep of his ex-girlfriend Bernadette Mullen's house.

But his death, from a massive heart attack, has not been linked to the assault in the pub by Campbell.

A post-mortem examination showed he died from a heart defect which could have killed him at any time.

Campbell, who has admitted causing Mr Johnson grievous bodily harm, was due to be sentenced yesterday at Burnley Crown Court.

But Judge Raymond Bennett adjourned the case after witnesses who were in the pub when the assault took place failed to attend court.

Judge Bennett said a further hearing was needed to resolve conflicting accounts of what happened in the pub and to ensure justice was done.

He warned that the witnesses could be forced to come to court.

Campbell was bailed on condition he lives at an address given to the court, does not enter Burnley, Accrington, Church or Oswaldtwistle except when required to, and does not contact prosecution witnesses.

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