A BUSINESSMAN who had been drinking after a stressful day punched a stranger in the face breaking his jaw, a court has heard.
Mark Campbell was jailed for nine months at Luton Crown Court on Thursday (February 4). Judge Michael Kay QC said: "People are sick of situations like this and the message has to go out that those who punch other people and cause severe damage receive a custodial sentence."
Campbell, 37, of Stevenage Road, Little Wymondley, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to Robert Allen on July 17 last year.
Laura Blackband, prosecuting, said both men were at Chicago's, in Stevenage. Mr. Allen was punched so hard that he fell to the floor and his jaw was fractured.
He needed surgery for a plate to be fitted and was off work for several weeks.
Campbell was arrested at the scene, but was 'abusive and uncooperative', said Miss Blackband.
However, when interviewed later, he was remorseful but had little recollection of the events, the court was told.
Steven Akinsanya, defending, said: "He is not prone to using aggression. This was a momentary loss of self control impaired by drink and his mood. There is a very low risk that he will re-offend.
"He has built up his own business and a number of people rely on him for their work and the question is whether an immediate custodial sentence is necessary in this case."