A TEENAGER attacked his former best friend following a fall-out after a heavy drinking session, a court heard.

Michael Hall, 19, joined the victim and a group of friends who were drinking cans in a park in Blackhall, east Durham, in July.

Robin Terry, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court there was "an atmosphere" between them as the pair had fallen out some time previously.

When the former friend stood up to leave, Hall lashed out at him, landing a single blow to the side of the face.

Mr Terry said the force of the punch broke the victim's jaw, and it resulted in his arrest. Hall told police he had drunk 14 cans of lager that evening.

He only threw one punch, and conceded in an interview with police "it was a stupid thing to do", adding that he did not know why he did it, said Mr Terry.

Paul Schofield, in mitigaton, said Hall, was in the third year of a five-year modern apprenticeship.

"He is of previous good character and is spoken of well by everyone who knows him."

Mr Schofield said Hall, who was settling down with his girlfriend and trying to buy a new home, was unlikely to offend again.

Hall, of Sixth Street, Blackhall, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Judge Guy Whitburn sentenced Hall to a 100-hour community punishment order.