A JEALOUS thug who smashed a bottle on the head of a friend and love rival in a night club has been jailed for two years.

As Nathan Maskell, 22, has served six months on remand, he is likely to be free in six months.

He struck Andrew Martin twice in Jumpin Jaks at Lockmeadow, Maidstone, with a beer bottle, causing a fracture of the skull and a deep cut.

Judge James O’Mahony said photographs of Mr Martin’s injuries did not tell the full story of the force of the blow and the damage caused.

Jailing Maskell for two years, he said: “Happily for you and no thanks to you, follow a number of things. First, he has made a good recovery. Secondly, he has spoken up for you and written me a note about that.”

Maidstone Crown Court heard how Mr Martin started a relationship with Louise Patterson, Maskell’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child.

Lucy Luttman, prosecuting, said Maskell told his pal he was not particularly happy about him seeing Miss Patterson and wanted to get back with her.

The two men were out in a group on April 8 last year when the trouble flared.

Miss Patterson was also at the club. Maskell wrongly accused her of texting Mr Martin when, in fact, she was texting a friend.

“He finished his drink from the bottle he had in his hand and went over to Mr Martin,” said Miss Luttman. “He [Martin] felt something hit him on the top of his head, followed by the sound of smashing glass.

“Almost immediately, he felt a second blow to the same area. He fell to his knees. He was kicked to the side of the head. As he tried to get up, he was hit again, near the jaw. He felt blood in his eyes.”

The prosecutor said Mr Martin had been left with a permanent scar. He suffered daily headaches and had to go on light duties in his job on the railway.

Tom Stern, defending, said Maskell, who admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm, claimed he only struck one blow.

Maskell had been with his girlfriend for more than two years and they had a young son, who had been treated for meningitis. They separated and were reconciled for a while.

Mr Stern added: “He did not go out that night to seek his victim. They had gone out as mates.

“His case is unusual because the parties remain on such good terms. Andrew Martin and Louise Patterson have visited the defendant while in custody.”