A FORMER soldier launched a "vicious" attack on his ex-partner's brother, punching him so hard it caused his eye socket to fracture, a court was told.

Ricky Gorman, 23, of Essex Close, Dines Green, Worcester admitted attacking Liam Hartland, the brother of his former partner Cara Hartland, during an earlier hearing at Worcester Crown Court.

At a sentencing hearing on Monday, Judge Andrew Lockhart QC said the punch had been "vicious" and described images of the injuries suffered as "shocking".

Abigail Nixon, prosecuting, said the incident began Miss Hartland's home in Tudor Way on May 14 this year, when there was an argument upstairs in front of the pair's young children, aged two and four.

Miss Nixon said Mr Hartland went upstairs to check on his sister and the children.

Both the victim and defendant had been drinking heavily, and there was a physical altercation between the two including pushing and shoving, she said.

Mr Hartland moved to the downstairs kitchen and was over the sink cleaning up when Gorman walked in and said he 'should have hit him properly', before striking Mr Hartland with a clenched fist to his eye.

The impact caused Mr Hartland's eye socket to fracture and he also suffered a broken cheek bone, a chipped tooth and swelling.

Mr Hartland later received six stitches.

Lee Marklew, defending, said Gorman's actions were not pre-meditated.

He said Gorman had "some fine qualities", including being reliable and a natural leader.

He added Gorman, who served three years in the army, was sorry for what he had done - particularly as he had not seen his children since being arrested.

Judge Lockhart said aggravating features included that Gorman had a previous conviction for being involved in pub brawl and that the incident with his brother-in-law happened at a home in front of Gorman's children.

He told Gorman: "You have a real problem with violence under the influence of drink.

"It was vicious, unlawful, in drink.

"Your children saw you fighting."

But he said he accepted mitigation that Gorman initially acted in self defence, was hardworking and that he had shown remorse.

Gorman, who admitted a charge of unlawful wounding, was handed a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

Gorman was ordered to carry out 50 days rehabilitation activity, 200 hours of unpaid work and given a three-month curfew, which means he can not leave his home between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

He was also told to pay £750 compensation to the victim, and £250 court costs.