A HEAVILY-CONVICTED man who fractured another man’s jaw after throwing a single punch has been jailed.

James Richard Ball argued he was concerned for a group of schoolgirls when he attacked the man in Durham market place last November.

Appearing by video link at Durham Crown Court yesterday, the 30-year-old was sentenced for one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The court heard how Ball struck his victim on the right side of his jaw, knocking him to the ground.

The victim was taken to hospital where he underwent two surgeries on his jaw and had metal plates and screws inserted as well as plastic bands to repair it.

In a victim impact statement, the victim said he was now scared to leave his home in case he met Ball again and was still in pain following his surgery and still had some numbness in his jaw and lip.

Ball claimed he assaulted the man because he was “pestering and making inappropriate comments to the females”.

CCTV was also played and showed the victim talking to the girls and Ball pointing at the victim before striking him.

The court was told Ball was recalled to prison following the incident.

On sentencing him, Judge Jonathan Carroll said aggravating factors included the fact the attack happened in a public place, while Ball was on licence and because he had previous violent offences on his record.

Speaking to Ball, of Foster’s Lodge, Annfield Plain, County Durham, he said: “If you had concern for those girls’ welfare you could have asked if they were OK.

"You could have gone to one of the local shop’s security guards or looked for a Police Community Support Officer, of which there are plenty around in Durham.

"You had options but in the past you have resorted to violence and on this occasion, you resorted to violence. It was unjustified and inappropriate.”

Judge Carroll sentenced Ball to 15 months in prison and ordered him to pay costs.

He refused to grant a restraining order for the victim.