A BUSINESSMAN launched an unprovoked attack on a former employee who he believed had an affair with his wife, a court heard.

Scott Burgess, of Ramsden Street in Barrow, punched the complainant to the face at Central Preston Street Working Men’s Club in Barrow at 11:20 pm on June 1 this year, prosecutor Lee Dacre said.

South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard the assault caused the victim pain to the left side of his face.

Mr Dacre said Burgess - aged 34 - told the victim ‘to keep on walking’ before punching the male.

Burgess also pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to assault by beating of an emergency worker and possession of Class A cocaine on the same day in question.

Mr Dacre said the defendant threatened to headbutt PC Allen when he arrived at the scene after a member of the public had called 999.

The court was told Burgess was arrested but then kicked out at the officer three times with both of his legs after refusing to be put into the police van.

Officers conducted a search of the defendant in police custody where they discovered two snap bags of white powder which were later found to be cocaine, the court heard.

Mr Dacre said this was ‘no surprise’ to him as the defendant is due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs later this year.

The offences were committed whilst Burgess was subject to police bail.

In mitigation, Karen Templeton said: “The defendant used to employ the complainant. He blames him for the breakup of his marriage as he says he had an affair with his wife.

“He has not coped well as a result. He had been drinking and taking cocaine which had spiralled out of control. However, he has now come to his senses. He has an appointment with Recovery Steps on July 15 to address his issues.

“He is a telecom business owner who employs six people.”

Sentencing Burgess to a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work on July 10, Chair of the bench Michael Halshaw said: “You have a quite terrible record for violence and drugs and yet here you are again assaulting someone again.”

Burgess was ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £150 in compensation to the police officer.

He was also required to pay in full court costs of £85 and a surcharge of £114 within 28 days.

Forfeiture and destruction of the drugs was also sought by magistrates.