AN unprovoked assault on an innocent Christmas reveller left him with nasal and cheek fractures, a court heard.

Assailant Matthew Guyll had downed at least ten pints of lager and two shots, on top of prescribed anti-depressant medication, at the time of the attack in Bishop Auckland late on December 23.

Durham Crown Court heard he was walking along a town centre street and barged into a group of four to five passers-by.

He then threw two blows to the face of the startled man who he had collided into plus further punches which failed to land against others.

The victim was taken to hospital with a bloodied nose and swollen face, and required subsequent surgery for facial and nasal fractures – for which he had metal plates inserted.

Graeme Cook, prosecuting, said the victim remained in hospital overnight and later had corrective surgery but still has scarring and his nose remains slightly crooked.

Reading the man’s victim statement, Mr Cook said it spoiled his Christmas as he struggled to eat, remained in pain, and for some time since has been unable to enjoy his pastimes of football and Thai boxing due to his injuries.

Although Guyll aplogised in a police interview next day, Mr Cook said the victim rejected those sentiments.

Guyll told police he had little recollection due to the mix of drink and drugs, but accepted he was responsible.

He told police he had not long split up with his partner and was suffering from depression, for which he was prescribed anti-depressants.

Guyll said he had not been out socially and has since sought counselling in the hope of overcoming his difficulties.

The 30-year-old, of Riverside, South Church, Bishop Auckland, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm and two counts of common assault.

Andrew Finlay, mitigating, said the defendant accepted it was “clearly an unprovoked assault”.

he added that Guyll had his problems at the time, but after completing the course of counselling, his personal life has improved and he has found work as a fork lift truck driver with Hitachi, while keeping off drink.

Recorder Euan Duff branded it “a completely gratuitous attack” in the street on an innocent passer-by.

He told Guyll that it merited immediate custody, but, due to his remorse, prompt guilty pleas and the efforts he has made to change his ways, the sentence could be suspended.

“This man was caused huge harm by you, and you’ve come within a whisker of going straight downstairs.”

Guyll was given a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, during which he must complete 20 rehabilitation activity days overseen by the Probation Service.

He was also ordered to pay £1,200 compensation to the victim, plus a £140 statutory surcharge.