A MAN accused of breaking an acquaintance's jaw in a drunken fight could face imprisonment after South Lakeland magistrates found him guilty of causing grievous bodily harm.

Ian Bainbridge, 34, of Croft Close, Brough, Kirkby Stephen, admitted punching Richard Davis, also of Kirkby Stephen, outside the GrandPrix Club in Brough, but claimed he was acting in self defence.

He denied kicking Mr Davis or causing the broken jaw, an injury which resulted in Mr Davis spending four days in a Carlisle Hospital, where he had two metal plates inserted.

Bainbridge told the court: "I admit to punching him, yes, but I never kicked him.

When a man is down, he is down.

I am not the type to put the boot in."

The court heard that on June 25, last year, at around 2am, a fight broke out between the two men, who had known each other since their school days.

Mr Davis claimed he had initially exchanged "friendly" words outside the club with Bainbridge who had given him a cigarette, but later that night the mood changed.

"I came back out of the club and Mr Bainbridge started having a go at me, pushing me backwards and giving me abuse," he said.

Mr Davis said he was then pushed to the floor by Bainbridge who proceeded to kick his face.

David Dunk, prosecuting, said a dentist and a surgeon had examined his client and found his jaw to be broken and blood in his right ear.

However, Bainbridge told the court he had acted out of self-defence, claiming that Mr Davis had called him by the nickname "Snot," shoved him in the back then punched him on the chin.

"He used to pick on me at school," said Bainbridge, claiming he had hit out in self defence.

Both men admitted having several pints on the night, but denied being drunk.

Bainbridge was released on unconditional bail until February 5, for pre-sentence reports, but magistrate Jenny Falmer warned Bainbridge not to rule out the possibility of a custodial sentence.