Marc Davies, 32, hit Robert Arnold in the face in the Bull in Bexhill Road, St Leonards one evening last December causing him to fall to the floor from his bar stool.

Prosecutor Alison May said: "The victim was with his family and friends in the pub when the defendant came up to him and punched him forcefully in the left side of the face.

"The victim's hearing in his left ear was affected.

"Witnesses said he was punched three times in the head in quick succession.

"Mr Arnold felt dizzy and was unconscious for around five minutes after falling to the floor.

"Afterwards he went outside for a walk and came back in the pub but very shortly afterwards fell to the floor again.

"The next memory the victim had was being in an ambulance.

"During police interview the defendant said he felt the victim was laughing and looking at him, believing he was taking the mickey out of him because of the deformity on his face."

Davies, who lives in Saltings Road, Snodland, Kent, appeared before Hastings magistrates on Thursday and pleaded guilty to one charge of assault.

He initially denied the charge.

Gill Bond, defending, said: "The defendant had been kicked out of home by his wife so this was a very upsetting time for him.

"He went to the local pub and saw the victim there who he says was staring and laughing at him.

"The defendant said he lashed out in anger and punched Mr Arnold once then left the pub.

"He regrets his actions and has no previous convictions for violence.

"The defendant has been subjected to mickey taking and name calling
throughout his life because of his deformity.

"He has been signed off work because of depression."

Magistrates jailed Davies for 56 days.