Gerald Connor ended up unconscious after he was set upon by Gareth Taylor and David Baker after he intervened at the Station Hotel, Earby, in March. Both defendants had been barred from the pub and should not have been there at all and were asked to leave, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The court was told how Mr Connor was punched by Taylor and Baker, who were said to have thought they were under threat. He was then hit "gratuitously" while he lay on the ground before the pair fled.

Taylor (21), of Colne Road, Sough, and Baker (20), then living in Earby, but now of Beechcroft View, Cottingley, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. Taylor also admitted police obstruction. Both were given 16 weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months with £250 compensation and £200 costs. Taylor must also do 100 hours unpaid work and was fined £100.

Baker received 18 months' supervision and must complete the Controlling Anger and Learning to Manage it programme.

Sentencing, Recorder John Jones, who had seen CCTV coverage of the melee, slammed the defendants' conduct as disgraceful. He said Mr Connor had intervened politely but the defendants had hit him, leaving him suffering headaches afterwards.

Recorder Jones said both defendants were in work - Taylor was set for promotion to team leader by his bosses - and told the court rather than impose a relatively short term of imprisonment, he would allow them to continue with their employment and look after their families.

Mr Charles Brown (for Taylor) said Mr Connor was unconscious for a short time, but would have suffered the shock of being assaulted.

For Baker, Mr Simon Gurney told the court the offence was out of character and the defendant was ashamed. He had no previous convictions for violence. Baker had stopped using drugs recreationally and had reduced his alcohol intake.

The barrister went on: "He has moved out of Earby where he previously lived and has sought to remove himself from the associates who were leading him into an emerging pattern of offending."