A man who beat up a neighbour who had thrashed him at pool will now be spending his weekends in jail.

Martin Jackson, 21, subjected Andrew Lloyd to a "sickening" and vicious attack, hitting the victim with his own pool cue.

Mr Lloyd was left with a black eye, severe swelling and bruises and had a suspected smashed cheek-bone, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Jackson escaped full-time jail as he is working but will be at Kirkham Prison for the next 20 weekends.

The defendant, of Plant Street, Oswaldtwistle, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was given 36 weeks intermittent custody, which means he will serve 60 days from Friday to Monday. He must also pay £1,200 compensation.

Joe Boyd, prosecuting, said the defendant and victim were in the Open Arms pub in Accrington.

Mr Lloyd, who recognised Jackson from adjoining bedsits, played pool with him then set off home at 11.10pm. When the defendant ran up behind him he thought they would walk home together. Jackson then pushed him, swore at him, spat in his face and punched him. The victim ran off towards his home. Mr Lloyd was unable to see clearly as he had lost his glasses but crossed the road and was then pushed into a flower bed. He escaped a second time but the defendant chased him and hit him again, this time with the victim's own pool cue.

Mr Boyd said Mr Lloyd felt sharp pain and was struck several times around the head with the cue. Witnesses told how the victim was being badly beaten, was terrified and crying. He was on the ground offering no resistance and was being kicked with force.

A man walking by with his wife grabbed Jackson, and detained him until police arrived.

The prosecutor said when officers interviewed the defendant, he claimed Mr Lloyd had attacked him. He said he didn't use a pool cue or cause the injuries.

Mark Stuart, defending, said fortunately Mr Lloyd's injuries were not serious. Both menhad been drinking and the offence was not premeditated.

The defendant, who worked for Flair Flooring, had been attacked himself nothing to do with Mr Lloyd and had to have a plate put in his mouth. Mr Stuart added: "He knows how Mr Lloyd may well feel."