A FATHER-of-two attacked his son just after asking him to be best man when he remarried, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how sheet metal worker Stewart Cole, 45, and victim Simon Cole, 21, had just enjoyed the Burnley versus Coventry match from an executive box at Turf Moor when they fell out.

The defendant had separated from his son's mother when he was five years old and his son had wanted answers over what happened.

Simon Cole later told police he now no longer wanted a relationship with his father.

Cole, of Gainsborough Avenue, Burnley, admitted assault on May 6. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and was told to pay £100 compensation and £95 costs. He had no previous convictions.

Elizabeth Reed, prosecuting, told the court Cole had been drinking for most of the day. About 5pm, he and his son were walking away from the match when an argument erupted over family issues.

The defendant told Simon he was 21 and should be able to look after himself and then punched him with a clenched fist in the head, catching his eye and causing a gash.

A number of passers-by intervened and parted the pair, police were called and the victim went to hospital. Mrs Reed said Cole was questioned and refused to make any comment.

Philip Turner, defending, said Cole lived with his partner and her two children and they were in substantial debt. It ought to have been a good day as the defendant had won two places in the company's executive box in a draw at work, could take one person to the game, and chose his son.

Cole asked his son if he would be his best man, Simon said he would and the defendant thought that was why his son started asking him about things which happened years ago. Simon Cole wanted answers, but it was not something his father wanted to discuss.

Mr Turner added: "He accepts he lashed out once and it is something he will always regret. It is something he has expressed remorse about to me."

The solicitor said Simon had told police he no longer wished to have a relationship with his father.

Mr Turner said: "The defendant wishes to apologise to the court and to his son for the manner in which he reacted. It was out of character."