A man who broke another motorist’s jaw after an argument broke out at a petrol station has avoided jail.

Danny Clark, of Greenoaks Close in Benfleet, Essex, launched the attack on the forecourt of the BP garage at South Mimms motorway services last year.

Police say the 36-year-old became involved in a dispute with another man on the morning of October 15.

St Albans Crown Court heard how Clark punched the man, breaking his jaw in three places.

Clark later contacted police and he was interviewed and charged with grievous bodily harm.

In court on September 7, Clark pleaded guilty and received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay compensation of £10,000.  

Detective Inspector Beth Hanna said: “This was a nasty incident between two people who were not known to one another. The violence shown was unacceptable and left the victim with a broken jaw in three places which required surgery.

“Thankfully he has at least been spared the ordeal of going through a trial.”