A KIDDERMINSTER man with a "worrying" record of violence has been too quick to react with his fists, his barrister told Worcester Crown Court.

Martin Butterworth, for Christopher Jones, said his client had struck out in a misguided effort to protect a member of his family who was being insulted.

But the single punch, which broke Craig Measham's jaw, resulted in 23-year-old Jones being jailed for 16 months.

Jones, of Park Lane, had pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm. Prosecutor Nazneen Sultan said the assault took place at a house where Jones had been staying after a night's drinking.

Mr Meacham was taken to hospital for an operation on his jaw, which was broken in two places. It had caused considerable pain and he had lost his job.

Jones's record showed 15 convictions for 27 offences, six of which involved violence.

Judge Toby Hooper QC said Jones had started offending at the age of 15 but the violence had begun three years later. It was mostly associated with a failure to cope with alcohol.

He made a restraining order preventing Jones contacting Mr Meacham for an indefinite period.