A MAN who left the victim of an assault lying unconscious in a pool of blood was yesterday spared a prison sentence.

Matthew Croom, 24, admitted twice punching the man, who had been involved in a fight with a friend of his during a night out in Darlington.

Durham Crown Court heard that police broke up an earlier skirmish between Croom's friends and the victim's group.

Anne Richardson, prosecuting, said officers warned them about their behaviour and moved them on.

But the clash took place when they crossed paths later in the evening, in Skinnergate.

The victim suffered a perforated ear drum, cuts to his face, damage to his teeth and a jaw injury, but Ms Richardson said some of these were inflicted in the first fracas.

Aisha Wadoudi said in mitigation that Croom, of Coronation Street, Barnard Castle, County Durham, was of previous good character and was genuinely remorseful.

Recorder Paul Worsley QC said he had considered a jail sentence, but gave Croom, who admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, 60-hours' community punishment and ordered him to pay £200 compensation and £100 court costs.