A DRUNKEN punch in a nightclub left a man needing physiotherapy, North Somerset Courthouse was told this week.

Leigh Evans, of Bramley Close, Yatton, admitted punching Nicholas Lewis and leaving his victim on the ground covered in blood.

Kellie Marshall, prosecuting, said the attack was unprovoked and came after Evans had drunk eight to 10 pints.

She said: “Nicholas was standing near the bar and the next thing he knew he was on all-fours covered in blood.”

Mr Lewis was left with an injured neck and ligament damage in his left knee after falling to the floor of Vibe nightclub in Clevedon.

She said he had been involved in another ‘scuffle’ at a different bar after returning from a night out in Bristol on January 8.

Neil Scott, defending, disputed Mr Lewis’ statement because Evans claimed Mr Lewis threw a drink over him before he punched him. CCTV footage was inconclusive.

He said: “He perceived Mr Lewis coming towards him an aggressive manner and he decided to strike out and hit him first.

“It was a one-off, out-of-character action on his part.”

Evans, aged 23, pleaded guilty to one charge of assault by beating and was ordered to pay �740, including a �140 fine and �500 compensation to Mr Lewis.