A MAN broke a car window and punched the driver after he was taunted in a bar.

Alan John Hawkins, 23, lashed out following a night drinking at a function being held at Lizzie's Bar, in Catterick Garrison, on November 19, last year.

Robin Turton, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that, earlier in the night, council worker Hawkins had an altercation with his girlfriend, Sue Powell.

As some of the guests were leaving at the end of the night, Hawkins threw a bottle at a car being driven by Owen Pepper, smashing the window.

He then reached through and grabbed him by the throat and punched him.

Sam Faulks, for Hawkins, who admitted affray and damaging property, said that he had been taunted by guests at the function, who had blown kisses at him.

Judge David Bryant said Hawkins, of Whitcliffe Grange, Reeth Road, Richmond, had no history of violent offences and he took into account his guilty pleas.

He said Hawkins would be electronically tagged for three months and placed under a night time curfew to prevent him from going out drinking.

He was also ordered to carry out 180 hours community service.