A MAN who left a 61-year-old fighting for his life after he attacked him in a March pub has been jailed for two years.

Patrick Beart, 43, of Truman Avenue, March, knocked his victim unconscious when he punched him after a disagreement in the Coachmakers Arms on St Patrick’s night this year.

The 61-year-old stopped breathing after the blow caused him to fall backwards and hit his head on a foot rail next to the bar.

He had to be given CPR in the pub until paramedics arrived and he also suffered serious breaks to his tibia and fibula.

Beart fled the scene but was later arrested at his home and charged with causing grievous bodily harm without intent. His arrest was filmed on Cop Squad, a Sky One series following Cambridgeshire Police.

Beart pleaded guilty and was jailed for two years at Peterborough Crown Court last Thursday. He must also serve an additional two months for breaching a suspended sentence.

Detective Sergeant Paul Stimpson said: “This was a nasty unprovoked attack on an innocent member of the public, simply because Beart did not like a comment he made.

“The victim has been left with lasting injuries to his leg, he needs a stick to walk and has not worked since the incident.

“This case shows how just one punch can devastate lives, both for the victim and the offender.”