A 50-YEAR-OLD man kicked and stamped on his cousin who had made nasty comments about his wife.

Patrick Barnett left Patrick Farrelly with a broken nose, broken eye socket and a cut lip which needed several stitches.

Prosecutor David Bennett told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday that Barnett and his wife went to a pub in Wetley Rocks at 7pm on January 30 and Mr Farrelly was outside.

Mr Bennett said: "The defendant was annoyed because Mr Farrelly had called his wife Cruella the night before. The complainant could not recall doing so. He apologised and said he would apologise to the defendant's wife.

"The defendant put down his drink and told Mr Farrelly he needed pulling down a peg or two.

"He headbutted him, kicked him and stamped on his head."

Mr Farrelly went home and reported the matter to the police.

He suffered bruising to his face, a sore nose, a cut lip and a sore jaw.

He continued to suffer discomfort in his face and had a problem with his eyesight, so he returned to hospital on February 7.

Doctors confirmed he had a broken nose and eye socket and was suffering double vision. He was operated on and may still require an operation on his lip.

Barnett, of Railway Cottages, Leekbrook, was arrested and denied throwing the first punch, headbutting, kicking or stamping.

He suggested Mr Farrelly, best man at his wedding, must have fallen on his way home.

But he later pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding on the basis he and his cousin had a fight after an argument and there was no premeditation.

Stephen Oldham, defending, said the level of violence used by Barnett was completely out of context and was completely excessive.

He said: "He is extremely sorry for what has happened. He expresses remorse and apologises to Mr Farrelly."

Mr Oldham added that Barnett, an HGV driver, was a hard working family man.

Judge Paul Glenn said he was satisfied Barnett had acted out of character and gave him a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with 200 hours' unpaid work. He must also pay his cousin £2,500 compensation and £800 prosecution costs.

The judge said: " It was not premeditated. You took exception to comments he had made about your wife the previous day. After an argument the two of you fought. He was your cousin and he had been your best man.

"It is conceded you went way over the top. When he was on the floor you kicked and stamped on him.

"The photos (of his injuries) are sickening."

But he added: "I have read a great deal about you, which shows a different side to you. Your remorse is very genuine. I can just about suspend the sentence."