A FATHER said to have headbutted a man in a Burnley nightclub walked free from court but was warned jail awaited if he struck again.

The town's crown court was told that victim Ian White suffered cuts after the trouble at Churchills, last September.

He needed stitches and was left with slight scarring after being on the receiving end of trouble involving Brent Lambert, 21.

Sentencing, Mr Recorder Grundy told the defendant he regarded him as a family and hard working man who had behaved out of character probably because of too much drink, although he was not saying he was drunk. The judge added he accepted Lambert was sorry for his conduct and said he did not expect to see him in court again -- but if he did, prison would follow. Lambert, of Gisburn Road, Barrowford, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. He was given 100 hours community punishment and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £350 costs.

Louise Whaites, prosecuting, said after words had been exchanged between two groups in the club, Mr White felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned round and was headbutted, although it may well have been a "clash of heads."

Mr White was dazed, staggered and was then almost immediately punched in the face. He went to clean himself up and had suffered gashes to his eyebrow and upper lip which needed treatment.

Miss Whaites said the defendant was later arrested and told police trouble appeared to have been brewing. He claimed after a short verbal exchange Mr White went for him and he shoved him away in self defence. Lambert had no previous convictions.

Mohammed Nawaz, defending, said Lambert, who was employed in a wrought iron works, had had an unblemished character.