A MAN who turned on his sister's boyfriend during a furious domestic row later told his barrister: "I feel like a right idiot."

Steven Bremford, of Swansbury Drive in Bournemouth, shattered Jason Edgar's cheekbone on July 22 last year. Bremford, 26, had been rowing with his father in the moments before throwing the punch at Mr Edgar, who was sat nearby.

Prosecuting the case at Bournemouth Crown Court, James Kellam said the defendant had been living with his father.

Mr Bremford senior took money directly from Bremford's bank account for rent.

On the day of the incident, the taking of the money had angered the defendant, who came home and started a row, the court heard.

Suddenly, Bremford punched Mr Edgar in the face.

"[Bremford] swung a single punch at the victim, striking him on the cheekbone, which caused immediate bleeding," Mr Kellam said.

"The victim's cheekbone was fractured, and required surgery to correct.

"The defendant was arrested and interviewed. He agreed he had struck Mr Edgar, but claimed not to believe that the blow he had struck had caused the injury.

"He denied saying, 'You've had that coming for a while, you ****'."

Bremford admitted a single charge of causing grievous bodily harm without intent.

He has appeared before the courts on seven occasions, and has been convicted of 11 offences, including battery and criminal damage.

Judge Brian Forster QC said he was "concerned" that Bremford "loses it and reacts with violence".

Victoria Hill, mitigating, said the defendant admits having "behaved very poorly".

"Since this offence took place, he has reconciled with his family, including both his sister and his father, although he doesn't spend much time with them," she said.

"He has grown up a lot since then.

"He said, 'I feel like a right idiot for what I did looking back at it.

"'That was totally out of order.'"

Bremford has a history of abusing cannabis and cocaine, Ms Hill said.

"Cocaine in particular led to him being very angry," she said.

The defendant works for a company which provides pallet racking. He already has a young child, and his new partner will give birth during the summer.

Judge Forster told Bremford he was "acting without regard for anyone".

"This was totally unnecessary," he said.

The defendant was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for 15 months. He must attend a programme organised by the probation service for 42 days and pay Mr Edgar compensation.

"I am reserving any breaches of the order to myself," Judge Forster warned.

"Any offences will no longer be dealt with by magistrates."