A MAN fractured a woman’s eye socket with a single punch, thrown in retaliation after she lashed out at him, a court was told.

Brett Kevin Crawford reacted after seeing the woman remonstrating with his girlfriend in the garden of a house where they were drinking, in Cookson Terrace, Chester-le-Street, on November 17, last year.

Durham Crown Court heard that Crawford dashed from the kitchen and confronted the woman, who thrust him away.

Jonathan Walker, prosecuting, told the court: “He responded by punching her, a single blow to the left hand side of the face.

“She was knocked over and left briefly unconscious, before she came round and was assisted by some of those present.”

Mr Walker said the woman’s eye was heavily bruised and swollen as a result of the punch.

She underwent surgery at Sunderland Eye Infirmary for a fracture to the left eye socket, and had a titanium plate inserted to stabilise the injury.

As a result she suffered some blurred vision and had to wear glasses.

Mr Walker said Crawford was arrested at the house and claimed he acted in self defence.

But, at a previous hearing, 30-year-old Crawford, of Jacques Terrace, Chester-le-Street, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Don MacFaul, for Crawford, told the court: “His response to the circumstances that presented themselves was over the top.

“But, he had no intention of causing serious injury and he deeply regrets the harm suffered.”

The court heard he has previous offences of violence on his record, but nothing for six years.

Crawford was given a four month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and was ordered to pay £80 victim surcharge.