A NIGHTCLUB reveller was left brain-damaged from a single punch after he branded a passing girl a "teletubby", a court heard.

Michael Barthram, the girl's boyfriend, took offence when he heard stranger John Woods make the comment during a night out, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

He swung at Mr Woods and hit him in the face. The force of the blow knocked him backwards to the ground, said Ian Graham, prosecuting.

Mr Woods was left with a fractured skull and brain injuries when the back of his head struck the kerbstone.

Mr Barthram, 35, of Chesham Crescent, North Kenton, Newcastle, denied causing grievous bodily harm and said he only hit out in self-defence, fearing Mr Woods was about to attack him.

Mr Graham said the comment Mr Woods made about Mr Barthram's girlfriend had triggered the attack.

Mr Graham said: "She is described by the witnesses as being quite a large lady.

"Mr Woods, who had no connection with the defendant or his party, made a remark he perhaps intended to be humorous, perhaps insulting, but it was certainly taken to be insulting.

"He referred to her as a 'teletubby'. It is this that provoked the defendant to go up to Mr Woods and punch him."

Mr Barthram was arrested at the scene.

The trial continues.