A THUG barged his way into a man’s home to demand cash then left him with a broken eye socket after a single punch.

Matthew Kittle wanted money from associate Karl Cradduck in Crawley Down.

The 27-year-old barged his way into Mr Cradduck’s home over claims of an unpaid debt.

Gradually he became more angry, throwing a slipper at the wall and threatening to smash up his home.

Then without warning, Kittle punched Mr Cradduck to the left eye leaving his victim dazed.

He insisted the victim drove to a cash point and withdrew £200.

At Hove Crown Court it was revealed that Mr Cradduck had a broken eye socket and had to take ten days off work.

Kittle admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, but was spared a prison sentence.

But his “aggressive” demands for Mr Cradduck’s cash proved costly, as he was told to pay his victim £2,000 in compensation and £500 court costs.

Adam Pearson, prosecuting, said the incident happened on April 25 last year and said the two men were known to each other for about ten years.

He said: “Mr Cradduck heard knocking at the door. Upon answering it, Matthew Kittle was immediately shouting ‘I want my money’.

“Mr Cradduck asked him to step back and respect social distancing but the defendant said ‘I don’t care’ and walked towards Mr Cradduck, entering into the house.

“He continued shouting and being aggressive, throwing a slipper at the wall and threatening to smash his house up.

“They stepped into the kitchen and utility room, and without warning and when looking for car keys, the defendant punched Mr Cradduck to the left eye.”

After the incident, Kittle apologised to Mr Cradduck on social media for what had happened.

Brian Aldred, defending, said his client had not gone to the property with violence in mind, but went to the address to get money.

He said Kittle had shown remorse and had apologised, and said his client felt a sense of shame at his own actions.

Her Honour Judge Anne Arnold said the offence was at the lower end of cases dealing with wounding and also gave Kittle, of Squires Close, Crawley Down, a quarter of his sentence off for an early guilty plea.

She ordered him to pay the £2,500 compensation and court costs, and also told him to complete 180 hours of unpaid work in the community and ten rehabilitation sessions with the probation service.