TWO young Flintshire men who broke a man's jaw while on a drunken night out in Chester city centre have received suspended prison terms.

Jack Daniel Walker and Macauley Rowe, both 24, had previously admitted throwing a punch at Harry Joliffe in the early hours of September 16, 2018, in the Music Hall Passage near Rosies nightclub.

Both pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity to grievous bodily harm without intent.

At Chester Crown Court on Thursday, September 12, both defendants received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and each must pay £2,500 compensation to Mr Joliffe for what Judge Robert Trevor-Jones labelled a "mindless, drunken" attack.

Prosecuting, Derek Jones said Mr Joliffe had been to Rosies with his partner and they had an argument in the passageway.

Walker, of Llys Collen, Oakenholt and Rowe, of Vicarage Drive, Bagillt, then walked by.

It was accepted words were exchanged between the three, who had all been drinking, and both Walker and Rowe punched Mr Joliffe to the jaw before leaving the scene.

It was not until the next morning that Mr Joliffe realised the extent of his injury, that his jaw was broken.

He had to undergo surgery and, in a victim personal statement, said he had been in "agony" after the operation, could not brush his teeth for three weeks and had been off work for six weeks. He had been on pain medication but the side effects of that made him feel drowsy.

About twice a week he would still get a 'crack' sound when chewing, no longer felt comfortable smiling, and felt the cold more.

Walker had no previous convictions and one previous caution, while Rowe was of previous good character.

Peter Barnett, defending Walker, said Walker had initially gone between Mr Joliffe and Rowe to prevent confrontation, but accepted throwing the punch.

Walker worked as a manager for a sign business and had positive references from both work and family.

"He is a young man who has made a foolish error of judgment," Mr Barnett said, asking for any custodial sentence to be suspended.

Sion ap Mihangel, defending Rowe, had what Judge Trevor-Jones called "a plethora of impressive references", had been an apprentice of the year and had helped raise £83,000 for charity.

"There is very much another side to this man's character," Mr ap Mihangel said. "He is not the first young man to consume too much alcohol in Chester."

Rowe had very little recollection of the event, but may have heard derogatory remarks from the complainant before assaulting him.

Judge Trevor-Jones said both men had shown genuine remorse.

He added: "It's another example of mindless drunken violence in the streets."

Mr Joliffe had been suffering "daily debilitating effects".

The custody threshold had been passed but, "after some hesitation", Judge Trevor-Jones agreed to suspend the sentences.

As well as the suspended sentences and compensation, both Walker and Rowe must each complete 200 hours unpaid work.