A man who left a Brierley Hill nightspot bouncer needing ten stitches when he knocked him unconscious with a single punch has been spared jail.

Wolverhampton Crown Court Judge Michael Challinor told 38-year-old father-of-three Shawn Jones it was more important he got back to work as soon as possible so he could pay Mark Tucker £750 compensation for the injury to his mouth.

He told Jones - a man with previous convictions for violence - it was a serious assault that merited a prison sentence but he was just able to allow him to keep his freedom.

Jones, from Norwood Road, Brockmoor, admitted assaulting Mr Tucker causing him actual bodily harm and he was given a 12-month jail term suspended for 18 months and also placed under Supervision for 18 months.

Julian Elcock, prosecuting, said Mr Tucker was on duty outside the Maya Bar at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill, when Jones approached with a friend who was told he could not enter the premises.

Jones was told he could go into the bar to talk to a friend and, when he came out, the two men left but they returned a short time later.

Mr Elcock told the court they were talking with the friend when Jones, who was wearing a ring, suddenly swung a clenched fist at Mr Tucker - knocking him out cold.

He then ran away from the scene but his friend gave his name to police officers and Jones, whose previous convictions included inflicting grievous bodily harm, was quickly arrested.

Heidi Kubik, defending, said Jones' ring had caught Mr Tucker near the mouth and caused the cut that needed stitching in hospital.

She told the court that after serving a prison sentence 12 years ago Jones - described as a "hard working, productive member of society" - had managed to put his life in order.