A DRUNKEN dad who attacked a pub landlord who had gone to defend an elderly customer has been jailed for six months.

Michael Byker, 25, went crazy and hit victim John Sanderson in the right eye, leaving him bleeding, and then smashed windows in the pub door, Burnley magistrates were told.

Mr Sanderson, 59, licensee of the Commercial Hotel, Skipton Road, Colne, needed hospital treatment after the beating, last December Byker had earlier been given a community order for assault and damage but had been out of contact with the probation service for 12 months.

Sending the father of a two year old child, to prison, District Judge David Goodman slammed his behaviour as despicable.

He told Byker: "This was violence on a community order for violence. You clearly had no intention of complying with it."

The defendant, of Garnett Street, Barrowford, admitted assault by beating and damage and failing to comply with a community order. He was also banned from the Commercial for two years.

Wendy Chappell, prosecut-ing, said Byker was under the influence of something. He began shouting at a 72-year-old customer, threatening to spark him out.

Mr Sanderson feared for the customer's safety, walked over to help the pensioner and ordered Byker to leave.

Byker refused and when he was escorted to the door became angry and went crazy. He hit the victim, causing him to fall back-wards.

Mr Sanderson suffered severe bruising to his right eye and cuts. Byker was seen by police a short time late., He was clearly drunk and gave his brother's details.

Nick Cassidy, defending, said Byker's behaviour had been inappropriate and he was in a serious position.

The solicitor continued: "In the cold light of day he appears a polite young man who has a change in his attitude when he has been drinking alcohol."