A REFORMED drug addict was said to have attacked a pub regular after his past came back to haunt him, Burnley magistrates heard.

Disabled Paul Doyle, 33, of Netherby Street, Burnley, got in a fight after he went out for tea and a former acquaintance at the bar dubbed him a smackhead', the court was told.

He then hit the man in the face several times and pushed his head against the bar end.

Doyle admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge with £50 costs.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, told the court the man was sitting in Yates's Wine Bar, Burnley, when a staff member heard raised voices and saw Doyle get him in a headlock.

Doyle was identified from CCTV and later arrested in the middle of the night, although the victim did not want to make a complaint of assault.

Philip Turner, defending, said until three years ago Doyle had a drug problem.

Mr Turner said Doyle nearly lost his leg, had time to reflect in hospital and conquered his addiction.

He had got his life in order, had a girlfriend and was leading a fairly normal life.

The solicitor said that while Doyle was eating, the man taunted him about his previous habit, calling him a smackhead'.

Doyle asked the man to leave it, he wouldn't and the two ended up fighting.

Mr Turner added: "He wasn't prepared to allow him to beat him so he put him in a headlock and he punched him."