SPARKS flew when an electrician lost his temper and attacked the "pub drunk," who believed he was a rival for a barmaid's affections.

Victim Anthony Judson, who is partially sighted and deaf, ended up with a broken arm after Stephen Taylor, 41, floored him and kicked him twice outside the Roebuck in Haslingden.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Mr Judson, who started the scuffle, had gone off the defendant because he was dating a barmaid he was infatuated with.

The defendant escaped a jail sentence, even though Judge Lelsey Newton told him prison was the normal outcome of such behaviour.

The judge said the assault was aggravated by the victim's disabilities but she took the view the background to the case meant Taylor did not have to end up behind bars.

Taylor, of Wells Street, Haslingden, had earlier admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. He was given 150 hours community punishment and ordered to pay £150 costs.

John O' Shea, prosecuting, said there had been come sort of disagreement between the defendant and the victim going back to 1999.

Both were in the Roebuck pub and Mr Judson went over to Taylor to offer him an "olive branch," and to say they should forget the past.

Words were exchanged , Mr Judson left the pub and as he was walking up the road, he heard Taylor call out. He pointed out to the defendant the area was covered by CCTV, but the defendant said it was not working.

Taylor became aggressive and approached Mr Judon, who pushed him. Taylor grabbed him and pushed him back and a passer by separated the pair.

David Pickup, defending, claimed Mr Judson, who had two previous convictions for harassment, was the "pub drunk."

The complainant was infatuated with a barmaid the defendant was dating and taken against him.