A MAN fractured a wine bar doorman's cheekbone after hitting him in the face with a bottle, a court heard yesterday.

Callum Wilson, 20, of Westlands Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to wounding John Summerhill in November last year.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard how Wilson was in the Route 66 bar, in Darlington, when two of his friends started to argue with Mr Summerhill.

His friends were asked to leave and outside the bar, Mr Summerhill pushed one of them away from the premises.

The court heard that Mr Summerhill then felt a sharp pain on the side of his head and saw Wilson holding a bottle.

He realised he had been hit with the bottle and gave chase when the three friends ran off.

Mr Summerhill caught Wilson and the police were called.

The court heard that the other two involved in the incident were charged with threatening behaviour and were fined £180 each and ordered to pay £55 costs.

Chris Bunting, defending, said Wilson had been inside the pub and had not had a clear view of what was happening outside. He had thought his friend was being punched by Mr Summerhill and decided to take action.

He said Wilson, who had never been in trouble before, had expressed remorse after the incident.

He was given a year probation order and ordered to carry out 60 hours community service. He was also told to pay £100 compensation to Mr Summerhill.