A MAN was left with a broken cheekbone after being attacked during a family party.

The victim was left with the injuries after an altercation at a function at Harwich and Dovercourt Rugby Club in Wick Lane, Dovercourt.

The man was punched and knocked unconscious in the incident and following an initial assessment was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for a consultation with a specialist in facial injuries.

Luke White, of Rudsdale Way, Colchester, appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm on the victim.

White, 20, denied the charge and his solicitor, Peter Young, said he had been acting in self-defence during the incident.

Prosecutor Henny Tatum said there had been a number of factors which lead to a grievous bodily harm charge.

She said: “This is an allegation of GBH and it is alleged the defendant punched the victim to the face resulting in a fractured cheekbone.

“Aggravating factors include the presence of other persons - it was a family function where this occurred.

“Another factor was the presence of alcohol.

“The victim was off work for a week and in the wake of the incident suffered with a lack of sleep which was leading to him being tired and depressed.”

The incident occurred on January 17.

White will next appear in court on August 23 at Chelmsford Crown Court for a trial preparation hearing.