A thug punched and broke the jaw of a teenager in an unprovoked attack outside a Plymouth pub.
Jake Marner, now 20, lashed out at the stranger as New Year’s celebrations turned soured near the Union Rooms.
Victim Aaron Rutherford, then aged 19, said he did not know why he had been attacked at about 2.15am.
He needed two plates inserted to repair the fracture, Plymouth Crown Court heard.
Marner, of Little Ash Gardens, Barne Barton, denied inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent in Union Street on January 1 2018.
He admitted the punch but claimed he lashed out in self-defence after Mr Rutherford came towards him in a threatening manner.
But a jury found him guilty by a unanimous verdict after a three-day trial.
Judge James Townsend ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing until Tuesday.
He told Marner, who has no previous convictions: “The fact that I am ordering a report does not mean I have any particular sentence in mind.
“I need more information before I know which sentence to pass.”
The real reason for the attack remains a mystery.
Mr Rutherford said he had left the Union Rooms and was minding his own business.
He added Marner came up to him and put his forehead against his own for a few seconds.
He told the court: “I did not realise what was going on. He did not say anything.”
The court heard that the defendant had been in the Union Rooms much earlier in the evening.
Mr Rutherford said that the stranger then punched him in the face.
Marner was released on bail until next Tuesday.
Do you have a story to share or for us to investigate?
Get in touch using news@plymouthherald.co.uk , call 01752 293100 or tweet @Plymouth_Live
Want to read more?
To keep up to date with Plymouth Live's latest news, follow us on Facebook here and Twitter here , or visit our homepage at www.plymouthlive.com