A DRUNK man repeatedly punched a former friend in the face as he celebrated on the eve of his 21st birthday.

Samuel James Joseph Mawhinney claimed that Michael MacKenzie wouldn't leave him alone and then insulted him causing him to lose his rag.

The 21-year-old, of Ramsgate Terrace, Walney, appeared before Furness Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Prosecutor Mr Lee Dacre outlined the case: "It is a straight forward offence. It was about 2.55am on Cavendish Street, Barrow, outside Manhattans nightclub. The defendant was seen to punch another male in the face multiple times and that was captured on CCTV. He only stopped punching when the police intervened.

"The victim would not co-operate with the police hence the charge."

He added that a statement was made but he had no idea if it was to say he didn't want to make a treatment or not.

Mawhinney admitted common assault on June 12.

Defence solicitor Mr Trystan Roberts said: "Obviously he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He has shown remorse and is very shocked by his behaviour. He can't believe he did it.

"Over the week before it happened he had been getting messages on social media from the friends of the victim. That is in the police's hands. Prior to this incident he knew the person involved. He had asked him to stop contacting him. From his limited recollection that night he went outside with him to ask him to stay away. Mr MacKenzie then made cutting and insulting remarks and he hit out as a result. Mr McKenzie has not assisted the police or made a statement.

"It was a short spate of punches rather than a sustained assault.

"He was out on the eve of his 21st birthday and had been bought a lot of drinks and his sister had just given birth and he was celebrating. He doesn't normally drink to that level.

"He also doesn't work due to depression and anxiety."

Magistrates put him under a 12-week curfew between 7pm and 7am. He was also told to pay £85 court costs, an £85 victim surcharge and £50 in compensation to the victim.