A "RAGING" thug who twice headbutted the practice manageress at a Blackburn health centre has escaped a prison sentence.

Magistrates who sentenced John Southworth, 52, said that "sadly" they were bound by the decision of a previous bench to impose a community penalty.

And after the hearing the security manager for Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust, Michael Threlfall, said he was disappointed with the outcome.

He added: "We feel a custodial sentence would have been the more appropriate course of action in view of the severity of this attack

"Clearly the magistrates sitting today felt the same way but their hands were tied.

"The message must go out that health workers will be protected and that has not happened in this case.

"There is case law which suggests an immediate prison sentence for anyone who assaults health service staff in the course of their duty but in this case, which was an extremely nasty and vicious attack that hasn't happened and we are disappointed."

The original bench sitting at Blackburn magistrates announced their decision of a "medium to high" level community penalty despite hearing how Rosemary Emmans had slid down a wall holding her face in her hands and sobbing uncontrollably after the second blow by John Southworth.

The court was told she had been left traumatised by the incident in March and when she attended court to give evidence had begun to hyperventilate and had collapsed as she checked in with the ushers.

Unemployed Southworth, of Ennerdale Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assault. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for two years and ordered to pay £1,000 compensation and £200 costs.

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said Mrs Emmans was working in her office at the Audley Health Centre at about 10.30am when she heard a disturbance coming from the lobby. She went to investigate and saw Southworth standing outside the front door holding a baby and arguing with another man.

She said that Mrs Emmans asked if she could help and Southworth responded with a "foul mouthed tirade" before walking up to her and headbutting her twice.

Miss Fanning said: "His teeth were bared, his face was red and contorted with anger and seconds later he headbutted her.

"She screamed before sliding down the wall behind her and curling up in a ball, sobbing.

"She thought he was going to come back and kick her and she genuinely feared for her life."

Daniel King, defending, said his client apologised "unreservedly" to Mrs Emmans and realised he may be fortunate to escape jail.