Steven McLean was told by a judge at Preston Crown Court he could have found himself facing a manslaughter charge.

Victim Michael Mercer and his brother-in-law, Jack Cheetham, had been making their way through Clitheroe centre after playing darts when he was attacked.

McLean (25), of Balmoral Avenue, admitted charges of actual bodily harm assault and common assault.

Mr Francis McEntee (prosecuting) said the victims had been for a drink in late August last year and around 11-30 p.m. were making their way near the Tesco store, when the defendant approached.

For no reason, McLean punched Mr Cheetham on the cheek, leaving him stunned, and Mr Mercer asked the defendant why he had hit his friend while other people present tried to hold McLean back.

However, he broke free and punched Mr Mercer, knocking him unconscious.
The next thing he recalled was waking up in an ambulance, feeling as though his face was "on fire", said Mr McEntee.

McLean had nine previous offences, including an assaults.

Mr Robert Elias (defending) said McLean's problem was alcohol. He was a thoroughly personable man when sober.

"He realises his behaviour is completely unacceptable, when he is wandering the streets, befuddled by alcohol. It seems that being sent to prison has had a stabilising influence on his behaviour," he said.

Jailing McLean, Recorder Simon Killeen said: "It is these type of cases that very often bring what lawyers call one-punch manslaughters because when people hit the floor with that force, when they are unconscious, you have no idea what that is going to do to their skull."