A MAN assaulted another man because he mistakenly believed he was going to attack him.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when the victim’s dad intervened, Samuel Shackleton punched him to the head three times.

Shackleton, 28, of Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault.

He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 270 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £300 compensation to the first victim, £150 to his dad.

The chairman of the magistrates said he and his colleagues had given serious consideration to sending Shackleton to prison.

“This was a violent attack on a young man and his father,” he said.

Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said the prosecution had accepted the pleas on the basis that the defendant believed he was going to be assaulted.

The younger victim turned towards Shackleton, who accepted he was drunk, and he was punched to the head. When the victim’s dad approached he was punched three times.

Miss Regala said the following day the younger victim was in the car with his mum when he suffered a seizure. She took him to hospital where he had x-rays, CT scan and an ECG.

As a result of his injuries he could not drive until he had been seen by a neurologist and had to delay starting a new job.

Aamir Sial, defending, said his client had misinterpreted the situation.

“There was no premeditation, it was just an impulsive action,” said Mr Sial. “He understands his behaviour was not appropriate and he is remorseful and apologetic.”