POKER player Matthew Ireland staggered back into a pub disorientated and suffering from a double jaw fracture that had to be rewired and needed metal plates inserted.

He had been competing in a league match at the Mitre pub in Portswood, Southampton, when he stepped into the back garden for a smoke with William Currie and Richard Haskings.

But the city crown court heard that an argument erupted and after Currie had moved a security camera, Ireland was felled by punches, then kicked.

Currie, 37, of Richmond Gardens, Southampton, and Haskings, also 37, of Walnut Avenue, Southampton, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm and were jailed for 12 months.

Defence barristers said that both men were remorseful, with Mark Ruffell handing in a reference from a headmaster describing Currie, sole carer for his two children, as an exemplary father.

Francis Abbott said that Haskings had joined in the unpremeditated violence and a prison sentence would jeopardise his accommodation.

But Judge Peter Ralls QC told the pair that they had used their feet as weapons and seriously injured their victim.