A man suffered a fractured cheekbone after being punched in the face when he tried to act as peacemaker in an argument outside a hotel, a court heard.

The man got out of a taxi and was attacked by Duane Thompson, who was having a heated exchange with the taxi driver at the Holiday Inn near Norwich Airport, Norwich Crown was told.

Thompson, 47, of Suffolk Square, Norwich, became involved in the argument on New Year's Day this year as he was leaving a party at the Holiday Inn.

Ian James, prosecuting, said after Thompson kicked the side of the taxi, the victim and his wife and another couple got out of the cab to calm things down.

Mr James said Thompson punched the victim twice to the face causing the injury. He said police were called and arrested Thompson at the scene.

In an impact statement the victim said he had to have 10 days off work and suffered a lot of pain because of the injury and described it as 'horrendous' as he could not speak or open his mouth normally for days afterwards.

He also had to undergo surgery and said both him and his wife were now more wary about going out at night.

Thompson admitted causing grievous bodily harm. He was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to the victim and was also given a nine-month jail sentence suspended for 12 months - and ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work.

Sentencing him, Recorder Andrew Hurst said the victim had got out of the taxi to try to calm things down but said: 'That is the last thing that happened.'

He said it must have been upsetting for the victim's wife to see her husband 'beaten up' after they had enjoyed a night out.

However he accepted Thompson was full of remorse.

Andrew Oliver, for Thompson, said it was not a 'premeditated' attack. 'He has let himself and his family down.'

He said Thompson punched out at the victim as he was worried what might happen when the passengers got out of the vehicle.

'He was concerned he was going to get hit.'