A PUNCH thrown by a roofing worker, which caused a pub customer to lose three teeth, has cost him over £900.

David Allton got involved in an argument with Calvin Taylor outside the Cavalry Arms in Malvern.

Allton told police he was headbutted before reacting with a blow in the face, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Andrew Davidson said the defendant used unreasonable force rather than self defence.

Allton, aged 33, of Oak Crescent, Malvern, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was given an 18-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £915 court costs.

Judge Andrew Geddes warned Allton he had to be careful in future because he had previous convictions for wounding and battery.

This was his third specified offence for violence which could bring him an extended prison sentence if he offends again.

Violence erupted on December 10 around 8.30pm after both men had been drinking, said Mr Davidson.

The punch knocked Mr Taylor down and he struck his head on concrete, which left him unconscious for a short time.

Defence counsel Tim Green said Allton worked as a foreman in a roofing firm and earned £400 a week.