A MAN enjoying a night out in Darwen was attacked within minutes of entering a town centre pub.

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim was on the dance floor in the Bridgewater when he was approached by Jack Young who punched him repeatedly in the face knocking him to the floor.

Two of Young's friends stood and watched the attack which led to serious injuries.

Young, 24, of Ewood Caravan Site, Aqueduct Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Matthew Oddie causing him grievous bodily harm.

He was committed on bail to Preston Crown Court to be sentenced on January 27.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Mr Oddie and a friend went into the Bridgewater on Church Street at about 11pm.

He went onto the car park and within a couple of minutes was approached by Young.

"The defendant immediately became violent and punched him several times in the face," said Mrs Yates.

"His friend helped him up and they left the pub and went home."

Mrs Yates said Mr Oddie's parents took him to hospital because he felt extremely unwell when he got home.

"He had to have surgery to have a metal plate in his right cheek bone which had been fractured in three places," said Mrs Yates.

"He was of work for two weeks and had to be on a liquid diet for six weeks."

When he was interviewed by police Young, who had no previous convictions, admitted the offence and apologised.

Robin Phoenix, defending, said it was accepted the matter would have to go to the crown court to be sentenced.