Man punched pal after drunken digs at mum

A MAN left his pal with serious injuries after punching him when “drunken lads’ banter” turned sour.

Niall Snell was out with a group of friends in a Newcastle pub when he flew into a rage at jokes being aimed at his mum.

The 25-year-old threw a drink over the victim and the pair ended up in a stand-off before the former lashed out with his left fist.

Newcastle Crown Court was told he struck the victim to the side of his face, causing serious injuries, including multiple fractures to his face and eye socket, which needed a metal plate inserting as a result.

University-educated Snell, of Fowler Gardens, in Dunston, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent but has avoided and immediate stint behind bars.

The court heard Snell and his pal were drinking with a group of friends in Yates, in the city centre, on November 24, 2019.

Witnesses described the men engaging in “drunken lads’ banter” with them making jokes and each other’s expense.

Barry Robson, prosecuting, said some of the comments were aimed at the Snell’s mother and he asked them to stop.

Mr Robson continued: “Further references were made by [the victim] about the defendant’s mother and the defendant threw a drink over him, saying “Don’t call my mother a s**g”.

The pair then ended up in a stand-off before Snell lashed out and punched the victim in the face.

Brian Hegarty, defending, said: “The defendant is devastated he’s inflicted such injuries.”

Snell was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and was ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.