A 20-YEAR-OLD man was jailed for six months yesterday after he admitted throwing a punch which broke his victim's jaw in two places.

The blow, from Peter Vickers, of Kenilworth Drive, Darlington, left Paul Briggs unable to eat solid foods for two months, South Durham Magistrates' Court heard.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said Mr Briggs had to have his jaw wired and three permanent metal plates inserted after the attack on December 3 last year.

He said Vickers punched Mr Briggs once after passing him on the street.

Vickers admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm.

Chris Bunting, mitigating, said Vickers had acted after "a degree of verbal provocation". He said: "There's no doubt that Mr Vickers bitterly regrets throwing this punch."