A PIZZA shop worker carried out an apparently unprovoked late night attack on a colleague outside the premises, a court heard.

Martin Fallon, who had been drinking after finishing his shift as a dough maker at the shop in Framwellgate Moor, Durham, made a disparaging remark about the delivery driver in the hearing of the shop manager.

Durham Crown Court heard that he then launched two attacks on the unwary driver, punching and kicking him repeatedly, both times broken up by their boss.

The victim drove to hospital for treatment for cuts, bruises, and a hairline fracture of the cheek-bone.

Fallon, 20, of Churchill Square, Gilesgate, Durham, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm,.

Tony Davis, mitigating, said Fallon lost his job and has been struggling to find alternative employment.

Imposing a seven-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, Recorder Ian Atherton ordered Fallon to pay £735 in compensation and costs, and put in place a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.