Young Lupset man avoids jail after one-punch attack

Benjamin Biltcliffe launched the unprovoked attack on the male on Bridge Road in November last year.

Groups of friends had gathered in their cars and Biltcliffe, 20, had accused the victim of being disrespectful during a previous conversation on the phone.

The victim was stood with his hands in his pocket when Biltcliffe suddenly hit him with the punch.

When the victim picked himself up he realised his teeth were no longer aligned. He was taken to A&E where an x-ray revealed a fractured jaw.

He needed surgery the next day and needed further treatment. He needed to have a plate inserted into his jaw and teeth removed.

Biltcliffe, of Radcliffe Road, Lupset, was interviewed by police three times and gave 'no comment' answers throughout.

However, he admitted a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm at Leeds Crown Court.

In mitigation, his barrister Satpal Roth-Sharma said her client admitted he used excessive force and it was out of character for him, having never been in trouble before.

Judge Tom Bayliss QC said: "What led to the confrontation is obscure but resulted in you breaking his jaw.

"This has been a close-run thing. If you had pleaded not guilty and had been found guilty by a jury you would have gone to prison."

He gave Biltcliffe a 12-month community order, told him to pay £240 in costs and £2,500 in compensation to the victim.