A TEENAGER smashed a man's jaw in an early hours single punch attack.

Ali Kazeer, 18, had hit Christian Denwood after the victim objected when the defendant and others were said to have made inappropriate comments towards his girlfriend.

Mr Denwood, 19, had to have surgery to have plates and screws fixed into the fractured jawbone and spent two days in hospital, Burnley Crown Court was told.

The hearing was told Kazeer later sent a text to the victim's mother, apologising and telling her he was scared.

He said: "I don't want to be arrested for a drunken mistake and for what it's worth, I'm sorry."

The defendant, of Downham Drive, Accrington, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm, last September. He was given a community order, with 120 hours unpaid work and 12 months supervision. He must also pay £500 compensation.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said Mr Denwood told the defendant and his group to watch what they were saying.

He was then hit, but remembered nothing more until the following morning when he woke up at his girlfriend's house in severe pain.

Miss Statham said whilst Mr Denwood was in hospital, his mother tried to find out what happened and discovered the defendant was responsible.

She had a telephone call from Kazeer who told her he had punched the victim, but denied kicking him.

A short time later, she got the apologetic text.

The defendant attended the police station voluntarily and made admissions to one punch.

He told officers: "I'm worried about the guy and I'm worried about what's going to happen to me." Kazeer had no previous convictions.

James Heyworth, for Kazeer, said he had lost his job as an apprentice engineer. The defendant found his behaviour inexplicable.

The barrister added: "He's very sorry for what he did. Clearly, he has caused a nasty injury to the victim in this case."

Sentencing, Judge Jonathan Gibson told the defendant: "It seems to be highly unlikely that you will be before the court again ."