Jaw-breaking punch came after remark about mum

A SCAFFOLDER who broke a man's leg and jaw with one punch has been given a 12-month community order.

James Hand said he hit Steven Brown in a pub after Mr Brown made an insulting remark about Hand's mother.

Bristol Crown Court heard Mr Brown was knocked to the floor and sustained the two serious injuries.

Hand, 23, of Chalcroft House, Lower Sidney Street, Bristol, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

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Judge Simon Darwall-Smith told him: "This was inexcusable, as such. But there was provocation and I do not believe you are in the habit of violence. You are in the habit of drinking too much, I suspect."

The judge told Hand to abide by a six-month curfew, in which he must stay at home on an electronic tag between 6pm and 5.30am.

He ordered him to pay £500 compensation to his victim and £200 court costs.

Timothy Hills, prosecuting, said the two men had been drinking in the John Harvey pub in Whitchurch before going on to the Shield and Dagger.

Mr Hills said trouble flared "in the blink of an eye" after Mr Brown whispered into Hand's ear.

He told the court: "The defendant spoke to his brother-in-law and went to get a taxi.

"On the way he struck Mr Brown in the face and knocked him to the ground, leaving him with a broken jaw and a broken leg."

Mr Hills said Mr Brown may well have fallen awkwardly at the bar and was unable to put pressure on the injured leg directly afterwards.

The hurt man conceded he had drank eight to nine pints of cider but said he didn't know why anyone would want to hit him.

Hand was arrested four days later and admitted the single blow after receiving the remark.

Giles Nelson, defending, said his client worked seven days a week and earned a good wage.

He said Mr Hand's mother was terminally ill when the remark was made and Hand "took umbrage".