A PENSIONER on a street corner talking to a friend was attacked by a 21-year-old man wielding a martial arts weapon.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mark Finn hit his victim with a nunchuck, two pieces of metal joined by a chain, bringing him to the floor and then punched him.

He then turned on the victim’s friend but was dragged away by two of other men.

Finn, of Clarendon Road East, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Abdul Ghani causing him actual bodily harm, affray and possession of an offensive weapon in Astley Gate.

He was committed on bail to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said Mr Ghani and a friend were minding their own business, having a conversation and had no connection with Finn who approached them in an aggressive manner.

“There was no provocation, no discussion, the defendant simply struck Mr Ghani three times on his right knee and then on his arm with the nunchuck,” said Mr Ainge.

“He then tried to attack the other gentleman but was stopped by two men who were with him.

"The victim was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

As Finn was dragged away a man approached Mr Ghani’s friend and gave him Finn’s name.

When interviewed by police Finn said he had been kicked out by his uncle and had been drinking.

“At the end of the interview he apologised and said he deserved any punishment that came his way,” said Mr Ainge.

Clare Knight, prosecuting, said the only excuse Finn could put forward was that he was under the influence of alcohol.