The victim was left with a broken cheekbone and four chipped teeth after
Marlon Atreides punched him repeatedly in the face.

The 27-year-old drunkenly confronted Jamie Gray at a house party in Jarrow on February 24 this year.

He asked, "How do you know my girlfriend?" to which the victim replied, "I know her very well."

Atreides flew into a jealous rage and started punching Mr Gray until he was dragged away by other guests.

Yesterday, at Newcastle Crown Court, Atreides was given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay his victim £2,500 compensation after pleading guilty to assault.

Prosecuter Claire Thomason said: "He became upset and jealous and punched him to the left side of the head.

"They staggered around until two girls came out of the bathroom. He was punched to the face and fell into the bath."

Miss Thomason said the pair were separated by other guests, and Atreides
left the house.

The victim was treated at South Tyneside District Hospital and reported the attack to the police three weeks later.

Atreides, who has a previous conviction for battery after spitting at a
ticket inspector in Manchester last year, suffered a black eye in the fight.

Adam Lodge, defending, said: "He regrets very much the extent of the
injuries he caused."

The judge, Recorder Keith Miller, said Atreides could have been facing a
jail sentence, but his guilty plea and remorse saved him.

"You sustained some injuries, but the victim's injuries were more serious,£ he told him. "He had to have an operation on his cheekbone.

"You admit punching him in the face three times."

Atreides, of Stamford Drive, Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to a 45-week jail sentence, suspended for two years, ordered to do 150 hours' unpaid work, pay £2,500 compensation and £500 towards court costs.