A groom attacked two bridesmaids at his own wedding reception, breaking the cheekbone of one of the women.

John Paul Campbell, 27, attacked his bride’s best friend Samantha Dewar after she stepped in to break up a fight between him and another bridesmaid, Macclesfield Magistrates court heard.

He punched her to the left side of her face and she was knocked to the floor.

Samantha, 26, who lives in Macclesfield with her two children and fiance, suffered a fractured cheekbone and had to have a metal plate inserted to reconstruct her cheek.

Campbell, of Queens Avenue, Macclesfield, pleaded guilty yesterday (Tuesday) to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Prosecuting, Debbie Byrne, said: “This was an unprovoked attack which left a serious injury.

“It was the defendant’s wedding and the complainant was the bridesmaid. The male got into an argument with another female witness. She strikes him and he strikes her.

“The complainant approached the groom from behind and was shouting and he turned around and without warning punched her to the face, knocking her to the ground.”

John Campbell, Queens Avenue, Macclesfield, attacked bridesmaid on wedding day

Defending, Lisa Morton said: “It’s a one punch scenario. It’s a serious matter and there’s no getting away from that.”

The incident happened on September 13 at the reception at Masonic Hall, Riseley Street, Macclesfield.

Campbell will appear at Chester Crown Court for sentence on February 2.

Speaking after the hearing, Miss Dewar said she and the bride had been friends since attending Tytherington High School but have not spoken since the wedding.

She said: “We’ve been best friends since school and I helped her get ready for the wedding. I can’t believe what’s happened, I’ve lost my best friend. It’s been a nightmare.

“Everyone was having a nice time at the reception and it was at the end outside in the car park when it happened.

“He punched me in the face out of nowhere and knocked me to the floor.

“It was all so quick and all I can remember is waking up on the floor in agony.

“I couldn’t open my eye. The swelling was awful and I couldn’t feel my face. I still can’t feel down the side of my face and just hope it will get better.

“I’m more nervous of people now and it’s affected my confidence. I’ve been scared to go out and be alone in the house.

“It was such a forceful punch and it’s scary to think what could have happened.”