A young father who hit a man with a devastating punch was told by a judge he had come very close to going to prison.

Charlie Dell, 22, admitted inflicting grievous harm on James Alford when he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court.

Dell, of High Street, Lydd, had never been in trouble with the police before when he aimed the punch on December 22.

Judge James O’Mahony told Dell he had left the victim with a shocking injury and he added: “This was a devastating punch but mercifully there has been a very good recovery.

“I wonder if you realise just how close you came to going to prison. You behaved disgracefully" - Judge James O'Mahony

“I wonder if you realise just how close you came to going to prison. You behaved disgracefully. I hope you realise how close you and your family came to disaster.”

Andrew Lewis, defending, said Dell lived with his partner and son of two and earned £400 a week.

“He comes from a very respectable family and this is something which they have taken very much to heart,” Mr Lewis said.

Dell was given a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for two years and a three-month curfew with a tag from 9pm to 4.30am.