Waqas Shah punched Dean Cotterill in the midnight assault, knocking him to the floor unconscious near the Clayton Arms, Nelson, last December, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Shah, who later went to the police station as he knew officers wanted to speak to him, had just got married and his bride would not be able to come over from Pakistan if he was locked up, it was claimed.

The defendant (25), of Manor Street, Nelson, admitted racially aggravated assault causing actual bodily harm. He was given 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, with 100 hours unpaid work and £1,000 compensation.

Mr David Macro (prosecuting) said Mr Cotterill had been out with his girlfriend and her sister and were smoking outside the pub when a group of Asian men, including the defendant, abused another man.

Fearing trouble, the victim's group left but were followed by the Asians, some of whom then crossed the road but the defendant walked right behind the victim and then beside him. Mr Cotterill asked Shah if everything was all right and when the victim asked to shake his hand, Shah abused him and, without warning, punched him in the face.

Mr Cotterill's first recollection after the attack was being in an ambulance. Mr Cotterill suffered a displaced fracture of the nose, which had to be manipulated under general anaeasthetic. He also had a gash to his forehead.

The prosecutor said Shah was identified on CCTV footage, although the incident itself was not covered, and went to the police station, claiming he had heard the victims say he was going to do the Asian group over.

Mr Michael Murray (defending) said Shah was in trepidation, knowing the custody threshhold had been passed. He had just married and, if he was sent to prison, his wife would not be able to come over from Pakistan. The barrister added: "He has a decent life when he's not in drink."