A PROFOUNDLY deaf man had his jaw broken in a vicious attack by a man who has already committed more than 130 offences.Nigel Clack, 43, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm on 33-year-old Joe Duncan following an incident in Witnesham in July last year.

A PROFOUNDLY deaf man had his jaw broken in a vicious attack by a man who has already committed more than 130 offences.

Nigel Clack, 43, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm on 33-year-old Joe Duncan following an incident in Witnesham in July last year.

Clack, who heavily tattooed his face to make himself so recognisable he would stop his criminal behaviour, was warned he faced a jail term for the attack after the hearing was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

Jude Durr, prosecuting, said Mr Duncan, who lives in the Ipswich area, had been talking to a resident in Weyland Road, Witnesham, when he had been attacked by two men, including Clack.

An argument ensued between Mr Duncan and the first man, who was not named in court, and he was then punched in the face before being grabbed by Clack and dragged out of the building.

Mr Durr said: "Clack pulled Mr Duncan out of the doors on to the floor before striking him forcefully in the face. Mr Duncan felt a crack and extreme pain and he thinks he may have passed out for a short time."

Bury St Edmunds Crown Court heard Mr Duncan, who had also been kicked while on the floor, had suffered a broken jaw in the attack.

Recorder Peter Guest said: "This is a serious offence where a man was badly hurt and a custodial sentence is the most likely option."

The court heard Clack had 56 previous convictions involving 133 offences including robbery, assaulting a police officer and a number of assaults.

After being told by doctors he had just six months to live following years of drink and drug abuse, Clack told a court four years ago he had opted to cover his face in tattoos to ensure he was immediately recognised if he reoffended.

Noel Casey, mitigating, said Clack had battled a drink problem for several years and was currently seeking help at St Clements Hospital, Ipswich, with a "great deal" of success.

He was freed on unconditional bail and to appear before either Bury St Edmunds Crown Court or Ipswich Crown Court for sentence in May.