Gary Robinson was in a "frenzied state" and Preston Crown Court was told that "the music did not help".

He was politely asked over the microphone by the disc jockey at the Ingol Labour Club, Mr Kevin Gooch, last June not to carry a beer glass on to the dancefloor.

Prosecutor Mrs Hilary Banks said the DJ saw Robinson approaching him and the next thing he remembered was waking up in hospital.

A witness, the club bar manageress, said she saw the defendant repeatedly punching the DJ. Mr Gooch suffered cuts and bruising around his eyes and chin and needed three stitches.

Robinson, 34, of Barry Avenue, Ingol, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. The court heard that as well as the beer glass warning, the noise of the music being played had annoyed him.

The court was told he had no previous convictions involving violence.

His barrister, Janet Ironfield, said the defendant was "ashamed" at what he had done.

He had been diagnosed as a schizophrenic and at the time had "difficulties in balancing his correct medication", she added.

Miss Ironfield said Robinson had now been banned from the club for life. He had been a regular without previous incident.

The Recorder of Preston, Judge Anthony Russell QC, told Robinson he was right to be "shocked and ashamed".

"He should not have been drinking to that extent considering the medication he was on for his condition," said the judge.

"The disc jockey was just doing his job and made the announcement about beer glasses on the dancefloor for the safety of everyone," said the judge.

"You subjected him to a violent assault which resulted in two cuts and bruising. It was repeated violence."

However, because he had no previous conviction for violence and, taking into consideration his medical condition, the judge told Robinson he had decided to suspend the four-month prison sentence for a year.

In addition, Robinson was ordered to pay Mr Gooch compensation of £400.

>> Vote in our latest web poll