A MAN who broke a woman's nose outside a St Albans nightclub was spared jail today.

Quang Loung, 20, head-butted Jade Poole in a late night confrontation outside Batchwood Hall.

Prosecutor Neil King said the aggravating factors in the assault were the fact Loung was under the influence of alcohol and was bigger in size and stature from his victim.

Standing at 5ft 11ins tall, with slender Miss Poole just 5ft 3 ins tall, Loung broke her nose in two places - leaving her needing an operation under a general anaesthetic.

As a result of the attack Miss Poole's education suffered and she had lost confidence in going out.

Loung of Lefevre Walk, Tower Hamlets, London, E3 had been convicted by a jury of causing grievous bodily harm on 14 July. The court heard how he was of previous good character.

He returned to St Albans Crown Court for sentence after probation reports had been prepared.

Defence barrister Mumim Hashim said Loung is "extremely sorry" and hopes Miss Poole recovers. "There may have been an exchange but it does not justify what took place," he said.

He said Loung had £1,000 in savings and soon hoped to get a job at City Airport, meaning he could pay compensation.

Recorder David Mayall told him: "Despite clear evidence you did not accept your responsibility and pleaded not guilty. It was a shocking affair. Only custody is appropriate as a sentence, but the only thing that allows me to suspend it is your good character. It is a touch and go decision."

He passed a 32 week sentence suspended for 15 months and ordered Loung to carry out 180 hours unpaid work. He must also pay Miss Poole £2,500 compensation - £1,000 within two weeks and the remainder at the rate of £100 a month.