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.