A MAN who hit at a customer at an Ipswich town centre nightclub in the face causing a cut which needed stitches has been jailed for a year.

A MAN who hit at a customer at an Ipswich town centre nightclub in the face causing a cut which needed stitches has been jailed for a year.

Andrew Ward, the victim of the attack, had been trying to avoid a fight on a stairway at Edward's nightclub when he was struck by 22-year-old Thomas Watchman, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

As a result of the blow he suffered a half inch deep cut to his cheek which needed three stitches, said Michael Crimp, prosecuting.

After the incident in November last year Watchman had left the club and was approached shortly afterwards by police officers in Tavern Street, Ipswich.

Watchman had been abusive to the officers and had kicked out at them before biting one of them on the leg, said Mr Crimp.

He was eventually restrained and during the journey to Ipswich police station he continued to be abusive.

Watchman admitted assaulting Mr Ward causing him actual bodily harm, assaulting a policeman and resisting a police officer.

Jailing Watchman, Judge Anthony Bate said he had a depressing record of offences, which included offences of violence.

The court heard that in August 2006 Watchman, formerly of Old Foundry Road, Ipswich, and now of no fixed address, was sentenced to 14 months detention for breaking a man's nose in an unprovoked attack.

This time his barrister Richard Wood said his client was immature and had an inability to deal with people on a personal level.

He said it was hoped that with increased maturity Watchman would see the folly of acting in the way he did.