A MAN who broke another man's jaw in two places after a drinking session has avoided jail.

Nathan Johnson, 22, of Middlewood Avenue, Bishop Auckland, drunkenly attacked Steven Robinson, who was out drinking with his brothers.

Their party left a pub in Bishop Auckland after a confrontation between two groups of young men erupted.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said: "Outside, the victim saw a male coming towards him throwing punches, and felt himself being hit. This was witnessed by police officers who were parked nearby in a car."

Durham Crown Court heard how Mr Robinson needed extensive hospital treatment to pin his jaw together following the attack.

He was in extreme pain and had difficulty eating and lost his job as a machine operator.

The court heard Johnson has previous convictions for dishonesty and drugs offences, as well as resisting a police officer. He admitted grievous bodily harm.

Paul Newton, mitigating, said he showed a "deep and genuine remorse".

Mr Newton said: "This represents a dramatic leap in his offending.

"When he is sober, not only is he responsible, but he is a young man who has done very well given his modest qualifications.

"He no longer keeps the same friends and the fear of losing his liberty has made him change his ways.

"He has had a long time to dwell on the consequences of his actions and his behaviour and the prospect of going to prison.

"This is a young man who has come to his senses and literally sobered up."

Johnson was sentenced to 12 months in jail, suspended for two years, and given a 12-month supervision order.

He must pay his victim £1,500 in compensation.

Recorder Howard Crowson said: "You are right to be scared.

"Getting yourself involved in street violence and hurting people the way you did means you should be locked up.

"I take the view that you deserve to be in custody for what you did, but the question is whether you should be sent there straight away or whether you will respond well to a suspended sentence."

Johnson was warned he will be locked up if he commits any further offences in the next two years.