A MAN who assaulted the daughter of former Middlesbrough football manager Bryan Robson outside a Durham taxi office is beginning a three-month prison sentence.

Mark Bregazzi, 20, was also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation by Durham Magistrates after they heard that 21-year-old Claire Louise Robson is likely to be permanently scarred as a result of the head butt.

She needed ten stitches in hospital following the attack, outside taxi premises in North Road, shortly after midnight on Sunday January 20.

Bregazzi, an apprentice plasterer, of Dominion Road, Brandon, admitted causing her grievous bodily harm at an earlier hearing.

Returning on Wednesday for sentence, the court was told Miss Robson has undergone examination by a plastic surgeon.

His report, read to the court, said due to the vertical direction of the 4cm laceration, from her left eye across the forehead, 'it will unfortunately remain with her for the rest of her life.'

In a statement read to the court, Miss Robson, from Chester-le-Street, described the attack as a 'traumatic experience' which only really hit her in days after the incident.

She said she has suffered psychologically and is now reluctant to go out in case anyone recognises her.

Ahmed Mustaque, prosecuting, said the incident took place as both awaited taxis after Bregazzi made a disparaging remark to Miss Robson about her father. She pushed him away, but Bregazzi then landed the head butt before fleeing.

John Grierson, for Bregazzi, said he was merely pushing Miss Robson away with his head.

Mr Grierson added that due to the publicity the case has attracted he and members of his family have received threats 'from supporters of the other team.'

A further hearing will be staged later, on Bregazzi's release, to decide how he can meet the compensation award.