A THUG who beat up a neighbour during a drinking session has been jailed for 14 months.

Jason Benito flew into a rage when neighbour James Flatley cracked his knuckles, Bolton Crown Court heard.

“Mr Benito appeared to interpret that as an aggressive gesture,” said Brian Berlyne, prosecuting.

Benito jumped up, pinned Mr Flatley to the floor and repeatedly punched him in the face until he was pulled away.

“Mr Flatley was so drunk he was unable to defend himself,” said Mr Berlyne, who added that the victim suffered a fractured jaw in the attack on July 25.

The court was told that both men has been drinking heavily at the flat of neighbour Michael Hayes in Chorley New Road, Horwich.

Mr Flatley estimated he had drunk half a three litre bottle of cider when he went to the flat at 10pm and there was no problem until 45 minutes later when he was attacked and knocked unconscious.

The court was told neither Mr Flatley nor Benito can remember what happened but at 12.30am Benito leant out of the flat window and shouted to a passer-by: “I’ve done something – I’ve battered Jimmy or I might have killed Jimmy.”

Benito, aged 28, of Chorley New Road, Horwich, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

Jaime Hamilton, defending, said: ”His (Benito’s) recollection of matters is not the best but he has accepted the evidence.

“He has expressed remorse for the injuries caused to a man who, he knows, meant him no harm.”

Mr Hamilton added that at the time of the offence Benito, who has mental health problems, had recently moved but not made arrangements to get his medication.

But he stressed that he now has a stable personal life, is engaged to his partner and is due to become a father for the first time.

“You mustn’t risk all of that by playing Russian Roulette with alcohol and medication,” the Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Timothy Clayson told Benito.

Benito was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

“You had been drinking a good deal and, for no more reason than a misunderstanding, you became violent towards a man who was with you,” said Judge Clayson.