AN ERITH man could face a possible retrial after being accused of breaking a man's jaw in three places with a single punch.
After four hours, the jury in the trial of John Horton, aged 20, of Collingdale Avenue, Erith, at Blackfriars Crown Court, found themselves unable to reach a verdict and were discharged.
Horton had pleaded not guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent following a fight outside the working men's club in Mill Road, Northumberland Heath, in June last year.
His victim, David Pratton, a grandfather in his late 40s, got involved in an argument with his estranged wife over his failure to visit his newborn grandchild.
Horton, a friend of Mrs Pratton became involved.
He claimed Mr Pratton had threatened him and called him names.
He said: "He was cornering me. I was a bit nervous so I turned and hit him and walked away.
"I have never reacted like that before."
Mr Patton spent a week in hospital after the assault and had to have metal plates put in his lower jaw.
The court will decide this week whether there will be a retrial.
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