FACEBOOK allegations led to apprentice plumber Connor Crosbee fracturing the skull of a friend whom he suspected of flirting with his girlfriend, a court heard.

Crosbee, 20, of Uley, floored Tristan Low with a single punch causing multiple fractures and haemorrhages - injuries which could have killed him or wrecked his life, Gloucester Crown Court was told.

Despite his horrific injuries, victim Mr Low told a judge he did not want to see Crosbee locked up for his crime.

Crosbee, of Lampern View, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Low on July 17 last year.

Judge William Hart said: "This sort of blow can often lead to death. That is the reason why anyone who uses this sort of unlawful violence can expect to go to prison.

"Mr Low has shown remarkable maturity, forgiveness and charity towards you by saying he does not want to see you locked up.

"Many people in his circumstances would hate the person who did what you did to him and never be able to forgive. For a young man who suffered such a devastating injury his attitude reflects remarkably well on him."

The judge sentenced Crosbee to 12 months jail suspended for two years and ordered him to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

He also sentenced him to a 20 week curfew on Friday/Saturday and Sunday nights from 10pm to 6am. And he ordered him to pay £500 compensation to Mr Low.

Prosecutor Julian Kesner said: "The assault was triggered by Mr Crosbee believing that the victim was flirting with his girlfriend.

"That rumour was spread among a group of friends on Facebook."

He said their paths crossed when the defendant saw Mr Low outside a pub in Dursley and Crosbee crossed the road to confront him and punch him in the face.

He was knocked unconscious with a fractured skull and was rushed to Frenchay Hospital for treatment. Crosbee stayed at the scene, called the emergency services and admitted he was responsible.

Mr Low's injuries were 'grave' but amazingly he had made a good recovery and was still able to pursue his chosen career in the Royal Navy, Mr Kesner added.

Simon Burns, defending, said Crosbee was filled with remorse.

The attack had happened in a split second and was totally out of character, he said.

Judge Hart said it was a serious offence which merited jail but he was sure that Crosbee was genuinely remorseful and that he would never offend in the same way again.