A thug took selfies after punching his victim in the face and breaking his nose in a “prolonged” attack outside a town park.

The victim had been walking from Castle Park to Lowther Street in Whitehaven on April 30, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the man was approached by Thomas Moore, 30, who punched him several times and was taking selfies as the victim lay on the floor.

The incident was recorded by a member of the public. Police were contacted and when they attended, came across the defendant on top of the victim.

Ms Fee said the man had received a number of injuries including a fractured cheek bone, a broken nose and fractured finger.

She said there was a possibly the man would need surgery and the feeling lost in his face may never come back.

Moore was arrested and gave no comment during police interview. Ms Fee said the only comment he made was, “he hit me first”, when shown footage of the incident.

She said the last violent offence the defendant had been convicted of was as a juvenile.

Ms Fee described the offence as a “prolonged” assault which had caused grave injury.

John Cooper, defending, said: “He tells me he was assaulted by this gentleman five minutes before. There was a second incident. He is his partner’s ex.”

Moore, of Birch Close, Workington, pleaded guilty to wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.

Ms Fee suggested the case was not suitable for sentence in the magistrates’’ court.

A pre-sentence report will be prepared by the probation service ahead of Moore being sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on November 28.

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