A THUG attacked a man in the street, leaving him like a ‘rag doll’ on the ground in front of two women, a court heard.

Jordan Flemington, 26, set about Daniel Ainsworth in the early hours as he walked home along Roegreave Road, Oswaldtwistle, with his partner and a friend.

Burnley Crown Court was told how the victim was punched as the two women screamed for Flemington to get off him in the assault last March 22.

The defendant, of Conway Drive, Oswaldtwistle, had admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Flemington, who is employed and plans to work on oil rigs, was given 22 weeks in prison, suspended for two years and must pay £250 costs and £250 compensation.

The victim and his party had been in the Tiger Lounge in Union Street, Oswaldtwistle, with the defendant earlier.

The attack took place at about 1am, after Flemington asked for a cigarette and said he wanted to go home with them.

When the request was refused, he became verbally abusive, blocked the victim's path and took a swing at Mr Ainsworth's girlfriend as she put her arm out to protect herself and her partner.

He was then knocked to the ground and received further blows once down. The defendant was arrested and claimed self-defence.

Flemington had a record for violence, including wounding, battery and police assault, but had not been in trouble for two years, the court heard.

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt told him: “Your attitude is still all wrong.

“There is never an excuse for throwing a punch, ever, and especially if it’s someone who is with women. With your record, you are doing yourself no favours.”