A MAN enjoying a drink with friends in a Clitheroe club was attacked by a total stranger for no apparent reason.

Blackburn magistrates heard when a friend of the victim intervened John Burnside tried to hit him with a table.

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That was wrestled off him and Burnside then threw a chair which missed but rebounded off the wall and caught the friend's wife on the nose.

Burnside, 22, of St Paul's Street, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to assaulting Peter Thompson and Jane Parkinson.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months with an alcohol treatment requirement.

He was ordered to pay £75 compensation to Mrs Parkinson an £50 to Mr Thompson and pay £85 costs and £115 victim surcharge.

Tracey Yates, prosecuting, said Mrs Parkinson and her husband were enjoying a drink in the Low Moor club and watching rugby on TV.

She was talking to Mr Thompson when Burnside came over, grabbed him by the neck and threw him to the floor.

When her husband stood up Burnside picked up a table and threatened him with it.

Mr Parkinson managed to get the table off him but he then picked up a chair and threw it at him," said Mrs Yates "It missed but rebounded off the wall and caught her in the face causing a small cut. This whole incident was totally unprovoked.

"These people were watching TV, minding their own business when they were attacked.

Geoffrey Ireland, defending, said his client accepted the prosecution version of events in its entirety although he had absolutely no recollection of events.

"It was bizarre because he doesn't know the victims," said Mr IOreland.

"He suffers from scyzophrenia and it is clear the medication he is taking and the pints of lager he drank that day did not mix. He can't explain why he behaved in such a strange manner."