A TEENAGER seriously injured a friend after accusing him of messing about with his girlfriend. Damien King, 18, repeatedly punched the victim and then picked up a plate and swung it into his face, Luton Crown Court was told. Tristan Blake needed reconst

A TEENAGER seriously injured a friend after accusing him of "messing about" with his girlfriend.

Damien King, 18, repeatedly punched the victim and then picked up a plate and swung it into his face, Luton Crown Court was told.

Tristan Blake needed reconstructive surgery to his jaw. One tooth was knocked out and two others were forced into his gum, the court was told.

Judge Phillip Clegg told King: "I am sure you are a thoroughly decent lad when you are not in drink, but you and alcohol do not mix.

"You had been drinking all day before going to your friend's house. I am satisfied you did not go there with the intention of causing trouble, but in the course of conversation you got the idea he had been messing about with your girlfriend."

King, of Fairground Way, Clifton pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent on August 24. He was sentenced to two years youth custody today (Friday).

Bill McGivern, prosecuting, said Mr Blake was drinking at his home in Clifton with a friend and at about 10.30pm King and another teenager turned up and joined them.

"But after some conversation King began attacking him, punching him in the head and face with a clenched fist, saying, 'Tell me the truth, admit it, admit it'.

"Then he physically dragged him to the kitchen, picked up a plate and swung it into his face and punched him some more."

The victim went to a neighbour's house, who called an ambulance for him saying his face had been "smashed to a pulp".

King left the scene but said to the others at the house; "Sorry boys, but if he was messing about with your girlfriend wouldn't you do the same?"

He voluntarily went to police four days later and pleaded guilty to the charge in court on the first possible occasion.

David Wales, defending, said: "The alcohol was the trigger for his aggression that day, but once the red mist had lifted he handed himself in.

"He has been on remand in custody for the first time in his life and has been faced with aspects of life that he has not experienced before. It has been a salutary experience.