A Darlington man avoided being sent to prison after admitting a vicious and unprovoked attack.

Ross Ainslie, 26, of Lowson Street, is today starting an 18-month community punishment and rehabilitation order and has been ordered to pay £1,500 compensation.

Colin Johnston went to Bar Size, in Skinnergate, with a group of friends on March 28, but can only remember waking up the next morning on a hospital trolley.

He suffered a fractured cheekbone and has since had to have a titanium plate fitted underneath his skin to protect the left side of his face.

Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday heard how Ainslie punched Mr Johnston in the face after a pint of lager was spilled over him by accident.

Mr Johnston was dancing with a female friend when a glass, which was on a table above the dancefloor, was knocked over and the drink poured on to Ainslie's head.

A pre-sentence report, prepared by a probation officer, said Ainslie had shown little remorse for his actions and was more concerned about what would happen to him.

Magistrates were also told how his victim is only just starting to get feeling back in the side of his face - four months after the attack - and had had problems with his speech and drinking.

Laura Saunders-Jerrom, mitigating, said: "I cannot deny the seriousness of this offence and neither would my client. In police interviews, he apologised for his actions and showed he was remorseful.

"He admits he was very foolish and believes alcohol may have played its part."

She said Ainslie thought the victim had spoken aggressively towards him earlier in the evening and again prior to the assault.

Magistrates' bench chairman Duncan Callum said: "This was a very serious matter and our first thought was to consider a custodial sentence.

"However, you have avoided being sent to prison by a whisker. One punch is one punch too many."

Ainslie, who has previous convictions for affray and threatening behaviour, will carry out 100 hours of unpaid work for the community and was ordered to pay £43 costs.