A judge has banned a man from entering a Worcester nightclub for two years after he broke a love rival’s cheekbone in a fit of jealousy.

Christopher Lambert got upset when he saw Daniel Burman talking to his ex-girlfriend in Tramps. A witness told police “he seemed to explode” and ran towards Mr Burman on a staircase, said Paul Whitfield, prosecuting.

Mr Burman needed surgery for a depressed fracture of his right cheekbone after being punched twice in the face.

Lambert, aged 23, of Bridge Street, Pershore, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on December 18 last year.

Judge Robert Juckes said: “You were plainly jealous of him talking to your ex-girlfriend. You lost your temper and attacked him. Mr Burman conducted himself sensibly.”

He ordered Lambert to pay the victim £1,500 compensation and gave him a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

The defendant was also given a 12-month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work.

Mr Burman had attended a Christmas works party before going to Tramps at 1.30am, where he talked to Harriet Watson, who he had known for three years, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Lambert, whose six-year relationship with Miss Watson was over, became aggressive and twice asked Mr Burman to go outside “to sort matters out”, said Mr Whitfield. When he refused, Lambert launched the attack.

The incident had a severe effect on the victim. He did not want to go out and struggled to sleep. He may need further surgery if sinus problems develop.

At first, Lambert claimed he acted in self-defence, accusing Mr Burman of making threats to “break him in half”. But in a letter to the judge he accepted sole responsibility.

Lambert had previous convictions for threatening behaviour and cultivating cannabis.

He was starting an apprenticeship and had empathy towards the victim, said Charles Hamer, defending.

He added: “It’s plain he lost his temper but there’s no suggestion he’s a young man who goes out looking for trouble.”