Preston reveller suffered a broken jaw in attack close to nightclub

Rio Merrifield, 18, turned on his victim on Flag Street in Preston, after he and his friends had been thrown out of the Switch nightclub.

Ethan Jenkinson, 19, needed surgery to wire his jaw following the attack in Preston on October 12.

He was left so traumatised he suffered anxiety and needed counselling, Preston Crown Court was told.

Prosecuting, Hanifa Patel said: " Whilst he was at the club he was in a particular dancing room and his attention was drawn to an altercation that took place with a man, as a result of which the security staff asked that man and his friends to leave.

"It was around 4am when the victim and his friends left and began walking down Market Street and Flag Street.

"The victim heard footsteps to him which sounded like someone was running and it was then he saw the defendant and other males - the defendant's friend asked the victim to have a 'conversation'.

"He agreed and walked over. It was at this point the defendant ran over and squared up to the victim. He's described as being very animated and aggressive.

"The victim's friends tried to calm him down to diffuse the situation but he became aggressive towards them."

Mr Jenkinson walked away but as he turned around to check he was away from Merrifield he punched him hard, causing his head to spin and breaking his jaw.

As he bled from his mouth he and his friends returned to the club to get help, while Merrifield followed, calling him a 'snitch'.

Staff intervend and supported them to a taxi on Market Street.

In an interview Merrifield tried to claim he gave a pre-emptive strike in self defence, but this was later discredited.

In a victim statement, Mr Jenkinson said he was once a "confident 18-year-old" but that the attack had affected his life greatly.

Defending Simon Christie said Merrifield, of Wynnstay Street, Liverpool, was an excellent student and had no previous convictions.

Judge Simon Newell, imposing a 12 month jail term, suspended for 18 months, said he was giving Merrifield a "second chance", but warned he wouldn't get a third.

He gave him a rehabilitation activity and tagged curfew, and added: "It appeared there was some sort of conflict between you and the group you were with and a group Mr Jenkinson was with.

"A friend of Mr Jenkinson's was taking him away from the scene and it was at that time you decided to punch him - he wasn't able to defend himself.

"It caused a nasty and unpleasant injury with consequences for the future.

"On the other hand you're a man of positive good character with much going for you."

He must pay £500 compensation.