A 26-YEAR-OLD Dalton man who punched a fellow pub-goer in the head 20 times during a pub brawl has avoided being jailed.

Jamie Noren - who admits to having a drink problem - appeared before Furness Magistrates' Court to be sentenced.

Prosecutor Mr John Appleby explained how the incident started at The Globe pub in Queen Street, Ulverston, on February 4. 

He said: "It was about 10pm and the defendant and his friend had been in there from around 7pm or 8pm and were obviously intoxicated. He put some music on the jukebox and then became involved in an argument with another male. 

"He was asked to leave by the barmaid as she realised he was on Barwatch. he said he would leave but his friend didn't. A group of four men from Liverpool came in and there was some friendly banter between them all but it soon turned nasty. 

"The next minute one of the men was standing over the defendant brandishing a table lamp. He was on the bench near the window. The landlord was called and he saw both men with blood on their faces. The barmaid was terrified. 

"They managed to get them outside and locked the doors. CCTV showed them initially having an amicable conversation and then it turned nasty. He was seen to punch the Liverpool man in the head 20 times. 

"He told police he had had about seven pints and it was the Liverpool man who had become aggressive. He admitted being on Barwatch for fighting and having a problem with alcohol."

Noren, of Thornton Park, admitted threatening and abusive behaviour and was sentenced at the court on Thursday.

Mr Andy Gallegher, defending, said: "I refer you to the contents of the pre-sentence report and ask you follow what the probation has suggested. All those involved were intoxicated and, at first, it was all very jovial and they were larking around, but then the situation became more intense.

"Mr Noren was the victim of the aggression of the other male.

"If he had been identified he would be sitting alongside my client in the dock."

Magistrates said they recognised that alcohol played a bit part in his offending behaviour and accepted that provocation had paid a big part in this offence.

They jailed him for 10 weeks, suspended for 18 months, and told him he must undergo treatment for his alcohol issues.

He was told to pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.