A DRUNKEN ex-soldier who left a man with a smashed cheekbone after an attack in a pub was spared jail — because he has served in Afghanistan.

Levi Thomas Sumner’s victim Christopher Hargreaves was headbutted and knocked unconscious in the trouble at the Queen’s Arms in Rawtenstall, last October, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The hearing was told Sumner, 21, had been stationed in Cyprus after his tour of Afghanistan, but he had begun to drink to excess and had been thrown out of the army.

Sumner, who has a public order conviction, had admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and had been committed for sentence by Burnley magistrates.

The defendant, of Cronkshaw Street, Burnley, was given 52 weeks in jail, suspended for a year, with 12 months supervision to address his drink problem. He must pay £300 costs.

Judge Beverley Lunt said in light of the defendant’s service for his country, his guilty plea and the fact the attack was not sustained, she could suspend the prison sentence.

David Macro, prosecuting, said Mr Hargreaves had been dealt with in 2008 for affray, possessing an offensive weapon and harassment in relation to a girl.

For the defendant, Kevin Preston said he had felt provoked to headbutt Mr Hargreaves after a conversation about the incident with the girl.

Mr Preston said the defendant’s judgement had been clouded by alcohol.

He had lost friends in the army.

He said: “He may well be bottling up some of his experiences and may be seeking solace in alcohol.”