A MAN stepped into a pub dispute between other drinkers over a mobile phone, a court heard.

But, Mark Lee’s unwarranted violent intervention almost landed him behind bars.

Durham Crown Court was told the incident arose among a group of men celebrating a 30th birthday, at Hardy’s bar in Willington, at 11pm, on February 2.

The disagreement stemmed from one of the group inadvertently placing a mobile phone, similar to his own, in his pocket.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said when it was pointed out, words were exchanged.

“Even though it had nothing to do with the defendant, Mark Lee involved himself, approaching the complainant and attacking him.

“Witnesses said the victim was repeatedly punched about the head, causing him to go to the floor.”

Mr Dodds said Lee was described as punching with both hands, “as hard as he could”, and one witness believed the victim was briefly knocked “out cold”.

Onlookers, joined by the publican, stepped in and Lee “desisted”, before both of those involved were ushered from separate exits.

Mr Dodds said the victim needed stitches to a split lip and suffered suspected root fractures to two teeth, as well as a black eye and facial “tenderness”.

He is said to still fear losing the teeth as both are now discoloured, but he has been told it could cost £2,000 each to replace them.

Lee, 22, of Hall Lane Estate, Willington, admitted unlawful wounding.

The court heard that in his probation pre-sentence report he claimed it was a case of, “self defence, gone too far”.

Vince Ward, mitigating, said this explanation was not, now being advanced by the defendant.

Mr Ward, who presented character references on behalf of his client to the court, said: “He had not been involved in this dispute.

“It was a spontaneous assault and not one involving any pre-meditation.

“It was said that it went on until the victim became unconscious, but there’s a conflict of accounts, and that is not supported by the evidence of the licensee.

“Nevertheless, the defendant is ashamed of his actions.”

Judge Robert Adams said: “I do treat this as an unprovoked attack, although something must have caused you to commit this assault.

“But I don’t accept it was an act of excessive self defence.”

He imposed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered Lee to perform 150 hours’ unpaid work and pay his victim £200 compensation.