A MAN who punched a soldier at Creamfields festival, breaking his nose and cheekbone, has been sent to prison.

Ashley Jukes, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, attended the festival in Daresbury in August when he launched the unprovoked attack.

The 27-year-old appeared at Warrington Crown Court on Tuesday.

Richard Edwards, prosecuting, said: “The 26-year-old victim attended the festival with his partner and friends and had spent the day exploring the site.

“He was in his tent at around 2am when he became aware of the defendant in the camping area.

“Jukes was being a nuisance and was shouting 'No one is going to sleep while I’m awake' and began to mess with several tents.”

The court heard how Jukes ripped the victim’s tent, which prompted him to confront Jukes about his behaviour.

Jukes but then returned two hours later shouting once more.

Mr Edwards added: “At around 4am, the victim asked Jukes to leave and Jukes punched him in the face.

“The single, forceful punch to the nose caused the victim to fall over and also fractured the man’s cheekbone.”

The victim is a serving soldier and has since suffered breathing difficulties and has mild deformities to his face.

The court was told that as soon as he saw the injury he had caused, Jukes said sorry and offered his hand to the victim.

The man also suffers from sleepless nights due to the shock and physical effects of his injuries.

The court also heard how the victim was not able to take part in several training exercises due to his injuries.

Jukes has eight convictions for 12 offences including common assault, possession of drug and sexual assault.

Jeremy Rawson, defending, said: “Mr Jukes shows remorse and showed immediate regret at the point of impact.

“He is a lout who drinks and behaves in a stupid fashion.

“Drink is the cause of the actions and it is clear he had far too much to drink.”

Recorder Paul O’Brien, said: “This was a single blow but a very, very nasty blow.

"You were irritating and disturbing several campers and when you ripped the victim’s tent, that is when he came out.

“You struck him out of the blue with a very heavy blow, causing his nose and cheekbone to break.

“This was a savage and unprovoked attack upon this man and he has been left with permanent difficulties.”

Jukes was sentenced to eight months imprisonment for grievous bodily harm.