Mark Salter, 24, had no intention of causing any injury and was so upset by what he had done that he went to comfort the victim at the scene, court hears.

A Sidford man has been ordered to pay compensation to a friend who he pushed over during an argument in a beer garden.

Mark Salter became angry with victim Andrew Walsh after seeing him talking to his girlfriend who was a barmaid at the Hook and Parrot in Seaton, Exeter Crown Court heard.

Mr Walsh fell awkwardly on his elbow, which was dislocated, causing a fracture of the upper end of the radius which required an operation and still needs physiotherapy.

Salter, aged 24, of Lower Brook Meadow, Sidford, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was put under a weekend curfew for six weeks and ordered to pay £250 compensation by Judge Graham Cottle.

He told him: “You had words with the victim, it doesn’t really matter what they were about, but as he turned to go back in the bar you pushed him from behind and he fell over.

“The consequence of his fall was a fractured elbow. You did not intend that consequence and I am sure you were very concerned for him.

“I am told things have quietened down and there is no hostility between you and you are very remorseful.”

Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said Salter and the victim knew each other and Mr Walsh also knew his girlfriend, who he had worked with in the past.

The court heard she was working as a barmaid at the pub and Salter saw Mr Walsh talking to her before they had an argument outside.

He was pushed over from behind as he returned to the bar, causing the injury.

Warren Robinson, defending, said Salter suffers from curvature of the spine, which prevents him from working, but would be able to pay compensation out of his benefits.

He said he had no intention of causing any injury and was so upset by what he had done that he went to comfort the victim at the scene and has since apologised and settled any differences between them.