A KENDAL teenager acting in “drunken bravado” carried out a violent attack which left his victim needing surgery and with possible permanent damage.

CCTV footage from cameras both overlooking Highgate and inside a Tesco store captured Ethan Moffatt striking Thomas Norman twice in the open on April 16.

Moffatt, 18, punched Mr Norman to the face and jaw having earlier made what he intended to be a “joke” comment.

Mr Norman’s injuries were later examined.

“The examination showed a displaced fracture to the left side of the lower jaw,” prosecutor Julian Goode told Carlisle Crown Court.

He was taken to the Royal Lancashire Infirmary and, during surgery, two titanium plates and screws were fitted to hold the bone in place.

Mr Goode said the victim had been left with an altered sensation in his lower lip, adding: “There is a possibility of permanent effect to that sensation of that lip but currently no evidence to support such a conclusion at this stage.”

Mr Norman was off work for a week after undergoing surgery but had since returned.

In a statement, he described the impact of the attack, saying: “Since then I have had the opportunity to go out on the town. I feel a little bit on edge about it so I have declined.”

A young man without any previous convictions, Moffatt, of Underwood, Kendal, admitted causing him grievous bodily harm.

Peter Connick, defending, said of the roofer: “It is an impulsive, short-lived assault. Two strikes over a couple of seconds period. It is really rather a brief incident.”

There had been an element of “drunken bravado” “in the presence of females”.

“He is ashamed of himself,” added Mr Connick, who told how the teen’s lack of maturity had been highlighted by a probation officer.

“He deeply regrets his actions and would like to apologise to the victim.

“His mother says it is a lesson that will stay with him for life. It is the biggest wake-up call he could possibly get.”

Judge Richard Archer imposed a 12-month community order. He must complete 150 hours’ unpaid work and a ten-day rehabilitation activity requirement.