A TEENAGER caused injuries that could leave lasting damage after he punched another man in the face, a court heard.

Ethan Moffat admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court over an incident in Kendal.

The 18-year-old was captured on CCTV punching Thomas Norman in the face while on Highgate.

Prosecutor Peter Bardsley said the incident happened on April 16.

The court was played CCTV footage of the incident, in which Moffat was heard telling the victim 'that's my bird'.

Mr Bardsley said: "He's punched to the face and jaw."

The court heard the victim received fractures to the jaw and was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary for surgery.

Magistrates were also told that the victim received injuries to his face and his lower lip.

Mr Bardsley said the injuries he sustained could take between six and 12 months to heal or could leave permanent damage.

The prosecutor argued the offence was too serious to be sentenced in a magistrates court.

Defending, Michael Graham said: "The nature of the injuries and the treatment given after probably means it should be sentenced at the crown court."

Magistrates agreed the case should be sent to Carlisle Crown Court.

Moffat, of Underwood in Kendal, is due to appear there on October 22.

Chair of the bench Sharon Gillam said: "We've heard everything that's been said today. We are going to commit this to the crown court for sentence.

The probation service was asked to prepare a pre-sentence report ahead of the court date to provide information on Moffat's circumstances and employment.

He was remanded on unconditional bail ahead of the sentencing next month.