But Martin Feasey, aged 20, avoided custody when a judge at Northampton Crown Court said he had been subjected to sustained provocation on August 31 last year.

Charlotte Bray, prosecuting, said Feasey was getting some food in Gold Street, when he ran into Benjamin Davis.

She said: "They knew each other through football and bumped into each other at the fast food restaurant, and spent some time speaking. There was some jovial prodding.

"The complainant accepts he was probably being a real source of irritation and there was certainly some provocation as to what followed. The defendant accepts he got wound up."

The court heard how Feasey walked away but was followed by Mr Davis, who continued to prod at him, at which point the defendant lashed out.

Mr Davis suffered a double fracture to his jaw, and had to have it wired up for a number of months. He also needed surgery to insert two metal plates and screws and lived off nothing but fluids for six weeks.

Feasey, of London Road, Delapre, admitted grievous bodily harm.

Sentencing, Judge Ian Alexander QC said: "Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is, you do not know your own strength. You are a big chap and I don't know how big the other fellow was but you gave him two big punches.

"There is no doubt about it, you were severely provoked. Because you were known by the victim, he decided to goad and provoke you by prodding you. You walked away and he persisted and you momentarily lost control."

Feasey was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was ordered to do 250 hours' community service.

Steven Evans, mitigating, said: "We concede this crosses the custody threshold but I do seek to persuade your honour that any sentence would not have to be an immediate one."