A SCRAP metal dealer punched a man so hard that his victim’s teeth pierced through his bottom lip leaving him permanently scarred and with a lopsided smile, a court was told.

John Denham later claimed the victim had been a habit of “invading his space” and the assault in a pub in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, had followed frustration that had built up over a long period of time.

Passing a sentence on the 35-year-old at Durham Crown Court, Judge Christopher Prince said: “You threw punches at the complainant and then when he came outside (the pub) you continued to assault him – the assault continued for a significant period of time.”

He added: “I accept that this is behaviour that is out of character and there can be hopes entertained that you won’t behave in this manner again.”

Sentencing him to four months imprisonment suspended for 12 months the judge said he took into account that Denham, who runs a family business employing 22 people, had demonstrated remorse and regret for his behaviour.

Kieran Rainey, prosecuting, said Denham had been socialising with the victim and was returning with a round of drinks when he punched him to the ground.

“As he was talking to him Denham punched him again causing his teeth to cut through the skin of his lower lip. He recalls going to the floor again,” said Mr Rainey.

He added, the victim required plastic surgery and said when he smiles the scar is noticeable and makes him look lopsided.

Denham, of Hartlea Avenue, Darlington, who admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm on May 1 was also ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work, pay £425 prosecution costs and £1,500 in compensation to the victim.