Clubber broke bouncer's jaw

A violent electrician who broke a bouncer’s jaw in an “appalling” unprovoked attack has been handed a suspended prison term.

Jordan Claughan, 22, also knocked out two of his victim’s teeth when he attacked him without warning at the River Bar in Bonemill Lane, Fatfield, Washington.

His attack was so savage the doorman needed surgery and has problems eating and drinking,magistratesinSouth Tyneside heard.

Bespectacled Claughan, of William Forster Close, Columbia, Washington, struck seconds after the man had helped a woman who had suffered a fall on Friday, March 13 last year.

Claughan’scrimewassoserious he brought a bag to court in expectation of being put behind bars.

But magistrates stepped back from that option after hearing he had no previous convictions and was genuinely remorseful.

They jailed him for 23 weeks, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to pay his victim £2,500 compensation,

Prosecutor Gurjot Kaur said:“Ataround11pm,thedoor supervisor saw a woman fall at the bar and he and colleagues went to attend.

“The defendant walked in withfiveorsixothermen.Normally they would have been challenged about what they were wearing.

“Unprovoked, the defendant has punched his victim in the face with a clenched fist.

“Themanhaslosttwoteeth and suffered a fractured jaw. He had to have surgery at Sunderland Royal Hospital.”

The court heard Claughan had denied the attack, but changed his plea to guilty.

In a victim statement read to the court, the victim said: “I was just doing my job.

“I shouldn’t have to put up with people thinking they can attack me.”

John Brown, defending, said: “He found himself in the club.

"He became aware of the victim.

“He thought, wrongly, that he was causing trouble with one of his friends.

“There was no premeditation. It was a single blow.

"Hehithisjawandbrokehis jaw and knocked his teeth out.

“He did apologise and was taken outside by the other doormen and chastised by them.”

Claughan, who pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, must pay £300 court costs.

Jordan Claughanbroke a bouncer's jaw and knocked two of his teeth out.

The case was heard at South Tyneside Law Courts.