A FATHER-OF-TWO has been jailed for three months for his part in an attack on a pub landlord after a family christening.

Keith Ventress, 31, knew he was barred from the Grey Horse Inn in Whitburn, near Sunderland, when he turned up with his family.

And after being told by staff to come back in six months' time, when the ban would be lifted, he and another man launched an attack on landlord James Green.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr Green had his eyes gouged and how Ventress put his foot on his neck and tore at his lips.

Rachel Hedworth, prosecuting, said: "The defendant got behind Mr Green while the other man gouged at his eyes.

"He was agitated, aggressive and violent, swinging blows. He put his foot onto Mr Green's throat and he could feel his wind pipe was constricted.

"The defendant's fingers were inside his mouth and he managed to get to his knees.

"Ventress was shouting 'Now I will be barred for life', before customers managed to separate them."

The court heard how a woman was injured when she tried to stop the assault.

Mr Green was taken to Sunderland Eye Infirmary and is due to attend South Tyneside District Hospital for further treatment.

Defence barrister Sam Faulks told the court how Ventress was persuaded to go to the pub because his family and friends wanted to go after a christening.

He said: "He has expressed deep remorse.

"His biggest worry is the effect a prison sentence will have on his family."

But Judge Michael Cartlidge said it was his duty to impose a custodial sentence.

Ventress, of Poplar Drive, Whitburn, pleaded guilty to affray and assault