A FORMER boxer who broke a man's jaw in an attack outside a pub has been sent to jail - despite a plea from the victim.

Blaine Higgins left his victim Christopher Larkin needing metal plates inserted into his jaw after hitting him outside the Roebuck pub in Haslingden.

But in a statement Mr Larkin said: "I feel this attack was just a one off and I don't want him going to prison for making one mistake.”

Higgins, 23, of Prospect Hill, Haslingden ,was jailed for a total of nineteen months by a judge at Preston Crown Court.

He received three months from a suspended sentence, plus sixteen months on top, having pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He also admitted a separate offence of having a prohibited weapon - a CS cannister - found at his home.

David Macro, prosecuting, said Mr Larkin ended up arguing with the defendant's mother about a £2 charge to enter the pub on February 14.

The next thing he remembered was Higgins marching out the pub door, going over to him and saying: "Don't talk to my mum like that.” He then punched him once.

The victim was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where metal plates were inserted under general anaesthetic. He also had wiring around his front teeth for about three weeks.

Mr Macro said that around a week after the wounding, Mr Larkin saw the defendant in another pub and apologised to him, and offered to buy him a drink.

The charge involving the CS cannister resulted from a police search of Higgins' address in April. It was found in a wall mounted kitchen display cabinet, inside an insulation cover.

Higgins had two previous assault convictions on his record. One resulted in the suspended jail sentence being made in March last year.

Defence barrister Mr David Temkin said: "It was an impulsive, spontaneous, stupid and dangerous thing that he did. He has shown remorse.”

Judge Norman Wright said: "You are a tall, powerfully built young man. You were a boxer and you kept fit.

"You more than anybody should appreciate the danger you are capable of inflicting on somebody else, even though it is only the one punch."