A MAN who forced entry into his former partner's home and repeatedly punched a man to the face "out of jealousy" has been handed a suspended sentence.

Joseph Lightfoot, 26, of Bridgewater Drive, Vicars Cross, caused so much damage to victim Matthew Perry's right eye in the assault it may never fully recover.

The court heard they had been at Christleton Institute on December 29 and Mr Perry had started talking to Lightfoot's former partner. She invited him back to her place, where Lightfoot had previously lived.

Lightfoot knocked on the door and let himself in, before acting confrontational and swearing, the prosecution said.

He then punched Mr Perry several times, as neighbours came to see what was going on. They helped to get Lightfoot out of the house and police were called.

Mr Perry had a badly swollen eye, a tooth had been knocked out and there were cuts around the right eyebrow. He had to undergo surgery to move a dislocated eye lens and had to have further surgery.

All this meant he was only on statutory sick pay until March and fell behind on payments, and he no longer felt confident to drive.

In police interview, Lightfoot, who had no previous convictions, was candid about what had happened.

Peter Barnett, defending, said since the incident, Lightfoot has not socialised and barely left his house at all.

He has a four-and-a-half-year-old autistic son from a previous relationship and looks after him at least twice a week.

Mr Recorder Michael Blakey told Lightfoot: "You attacked the victim as you were in drink and because of your feelings towards your ex-partner. You punched him to the face repeatedly."

Lightfoot, who had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, was handed a 14-month jail term, suspended for two years.

He must complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity programme and carry out 180 hours unpaid work, and pay £500 compensation to Mr Perry.