A FRIENDLY handshake preceded a punch in the face which knocked Irfan Ahmed to the floor.
Blackburn magistrates heard his assailant, Tahir Hussain, later left the country to undergo a drug rehabilitation programme in Lahore.
Hussain, 31, of Sterling Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Ahmed causing him actual bodily harm.
He was ordered to do 50 hours community punishment and made subject to a 12 month community rehabilitation order.
He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Ahmed.
The court heard the defendant's brother's car had been broken into.
Mr Ahmed was outside his home talking to friends when Hussain approached.
He shook hands with Mr Ahmed and there was then an exchange about the brother's car.
Hussain accused Mr Ahmed of breaking into the car and was punched in the face and knocked to the floor.
Basharat Ditta, defending, said when the car was discussed, things became heated.
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