A FATHER celebrating the birth of his child with a night out ended it by punching another man in the head.

Darlington Magistrates' Court was yesterday shown CCTV footage of Christopher Marc Hunter, 24, of Roberts Walk, Darlington, punching a man to the floor outside the Turk's Head pub, in Bondgate. The victim fell against a wall.

David Madison, prosecuting, said the victim had been drinking since the early evening on the day of the attack, at about 10pm on Thursday, April 26.

Hunter, who admitted assault, told police he had pushed the man, but accepted he had punched him, after watching the footage.

Claire Brinton, mitigating, said Hunter had just lost his job, but was also celebrating the birth of his son on the night.

He originally acted as a peacemaker when the trouble started inside the pub.

Ms Brinton said: "He is extremely remorseful and ashamed of what he has done. He hasn't been out since, he can't bring himself to drink after seeing what he did."

Hunter was given a 24-month conditional discharge. He was ordered to pay £250 compensation and £43 costs.