Thug hit bouncer after being refused entry

Charli Morris (22) hit Jamie Hargreaves in the face, leaving him suffering redness and soreness, as he tried to remonstrate with the victim at the Union Exchange.

Burnley magistrates were told how young dad Morris, who was on licence from a jail term for a serious attack, was barred from pubs for five years under the Pub Watch scheme and the ban had only just been imposed.

Morris, who has a record for violence, later sent the victim a message, saying: "I think you deserve an apology. Sorry."

The defendant, of Carry Lane, Colne, admitted assault by beating, last December 2nd. He was given a community order, with 40 hours unpaid work and must pay £85 costs, an £85 victim surcharge and £75 compensation.

Miss Caroline King, defending, told the hearing Morris was released from prison last July. She continued :" There does appear to be a pattern of behaviour here in relation to offences of violence."

The solicitor said Morris would say he slapped the doorman, but the doorman said it was a punch. She went on :" It was a single blow.

Miss King said: "The defendant has tried to make something of his life since his release from custody. He has stable accommodation and stable employment. He is hard-working and that appears to have been a stabilising feature."

Bench chairman Mr Graham Jagger said the offence was not premeditated, but the victim was providing a service to the public and the he defendant was in drink.

He told the hearing Morris was trying his best to have contact with his child. Mr Jagger added: "If you are going to impress anything on your child it's not doing this."