A MAN who attacked an older man in pub toilets narrowly escaped being sent to jail.

A pre-sentence report prepared by the probation service said Stuart Brent was a very low risk of re-offending in the future.

Brent, aged 47, of Stour Road, Astley, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence. He had earlier admitted assaulting Thomas Atherton, causing him actual bodily harm.

Recorder Anthony Gee QC said Brent had narrowly escaped prison. He sentenced to him to a 200-hour Community Punishment Order and ordered him to pay his victim £1,500 compensation at the rate of £250 a month, plus £500 towards prosecution costs and he also made a Defence Costs Order of £500, to be paid off at £250 a month once the compensation order has been completed.

The court heard that Brent had been drinking in the Canal Duke pub. He saw 57 year-old Thomas Atherton in the toilets and began to hit him.

Mr Atherton was left with two black eyes, a broken nose and extensive bruising.

Mr Gee said: "This was an unprovoked attack on an older man of which you should be utterly ashamed."