By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 09:31, Saturday, 19 April 2008

A YOUNG father broke a man’s cheekbone after lashing out at him in Carlisle.

James Howard, who had earlier been arguing with his girlfriend, narrowly escaped going to jail.

The 23-year-old, formerly of Dalton Avenue, Carlisle, was given a 12-month sentence suspended for two years when he appeared at the city’s crown court yesterday.

He must also remain indoors at night for the next four months and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Howard, who is moving to Fleetwood in Lancashire, must also attend courses which address his offending behaviour while he is supervised by the probation service.

He has spent the last 36 weeks in prison waiting to be sentenced after he admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mark Gourlay near the Litten Tree on Botchergate last August.

Prosecutor Hilary Manley said Howard was out with his long-term girlfriend that night after attending Carlisle races. At one point they were in separate bars but he got a call to say she was very drunk and flirting with other men. There was an argument between them and she ripped his top.

Soon afterwards He lashed out recklessly with the back of his hand and fractured Mr Gourlay’s jaw. It was not a punch.

Mr Gourlay could not recall the attack.

Ms Manley said Howard had previous convictions for violence – in the past he had bitten off part of a man’s ear after drinking.

Alison Whalley, defending, said her client had been assessed by the probation service as offering medium risk to the public.He bitterly regretted his actions that night and was very upset to learn of the injuries he caused. He was moving away from the area and his previous associates to live with his father and get a job.

Judge Barbara Forrester said Howard appeared unable to control his temper after drinking. She was offering him a last chance.

First published at 09:16, Saturday, 19 April 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk