A LOUT who fractured the cheekbone of a former friend was branded a coward by a judge for punching his victim from behind in a bar.

Joe Mitchell and Sam Webster were said to have traded insults on Facebook in the lead-up to the assault in Redcar, east Cleveland.

A judge at Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday how there was "some degree of animosity" between the 20-year-olds from Middlesbrough.

Mitchell's lawyer, Julian Gaskin, said he "lacked a degree of maturity" and added: "That seems to be combined with anger-management issues."

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, imposed a 14-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and a 35-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He told Mitchell: "It was an offence spawned, no doubt, by two things. Firstly, drink, and secondly, your inability to control your temper.

"It may have only been one punch, but it was a good heavy punch. But it was mean, because he was not prepared for it and in no position to fend it off - a cowardly attack in many respects."

Mitchell, now 21, of Guisborough Court, Middlesbrough, was also put on a six-month curfew between 8pm and 6am, made to pay £2,500 compensation and do 120 hours of unpaid work.

Prosecutor Emma Atkinson told the court that the unexpected attack - caught on CCTV - took place after midnight in Martha's Vineyard in May last year.

Miss Atkinson said the footage seemed to show Mitchell approaching Mr Webster at the bar, exchanging words, taking a step backwards and delivering the blow.

The victim was operated on at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where surgeons put metal plates into the right side of his face.

Mr Gaskin told the court that the graphic artist "believed he was going to be on the receiving end" after the spat on Facebook.

"He is fortunate that this is a matter which has only become a Section 20 (grievous bodily harm) when you consider what can happen with punches, even single punches," said Mr Gaskin.

"He realises the serious consequences which can arise from actions like this. He does not want to repeat this."