A MAN who punched a reveller at the Kerry in Hereford has avoided going to jail.

Philip Berry, of Coldwells Road, Holmer, Hereford punched Keith Morgan while in the smoking area outside of the pub in Union Street.

Hereford Crown Court heard Mr Morgan stumbled into Berry's group of friends at around 1.30am on September 7 and was then verbally abusive towards them.

Christopher Lester, prosecuting, said Mr Morgan admitted he was drunk and that he swore at the group, but cannot remember what happened next.

The court heard Berry then punched Mr Morgan, who fell to the floor and sustained a fractured eye socket and chipped teeth.

Berry, 24, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

In Mr Morgan's victim impact statement he said he may need to have a plate fitted in his face.

Mark Thompson, defending, said Mr Morgan used threatening words to Berry and his friend, saying: "You better watch yourself. Watch your back and you watch your back too."

Mr Thompson said this led to the single punch which Berry made.

He said: "It was not a sustained attack. It was a reaction... he made it in the heat of a moment- in a split second. He regrets it bitterly."

He said Berry realised he should have walked away.

Mr Thompson said Berry does not habitually go out drinking, and his sole concerns are his car, the gym, his work and his girlfriend.

He is in full time employment with his father and is an electrician. Berry had hoped to work abroad but realised this offence may have ruined his chances.

The court heard he had a drink driving conviction from 2003.

Judge Toby Hooper said the punch was a "grievous overreaction to some considerable provocation."

He added: "You are otherwise a wholly useful member of society in work with strong personal references evidencing your good work qualities and your good family commitment and good social ties."

The probation report said his risk of reoffending was low.

Berry was given a six month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to Mr Morgan and £500 court costs.