A teenager who broke another young man’s nose during an early morning altercation near an Ipswich nightspot has been given a community order.

Kurtis Wells, of Platter Close, Ipswich, admitted assaulting Samuel Baker when he made his first appearance on the charge before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

The incident occurred early on April 14.

Prosecutor Wayne Ablitt said Mr Baker had been out with friends and had ended up at Sin Bar in Cattle Market.

He left the bar and sat on a bench in front of the nightspot.

The court heard Mr Baker was approached by a young male who told him he could not sit on the bench as the male’s girlfriend was sitting there.

An argument began between Baker and the other man who, Mr Ablitt said, offered him the opportunity to sort the matter out in an alleyway nearby.

A female became involved and tried to separate the pair.

Magistrates were told 19-year-old Wells then appeared and punched Mr Baker twice to the face.

Mr Ablitt said Mr Baker had told police his nose was broken and bent out of shape, although he managed to push it back.

Mr Baker also said blood was pouring from his nose.

He was referred to hospital but did not require further treatment.

Wells told police he left the bar to look for a friend who was in trouble, saw a scuffle between two males and then saw Mr Baker push his ex-girlfriend.

At that point he stepped in and punched him to the face.

Wells said he panicked and ran when officers arrived.

Shelley Drew, representing Wells, said her client now realised his response was inappropriate and unnecessary as his former girlfriend was not harmed.

Mrs Drew said Wells, who had been drinking, perhaps misjudged the situation.

Magistrates gave Wells a 12-month community order and told him he must carry out 40 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay Mr Baker £60.