A MAN whose jaw was broken in three places by nightclub thugs is still unable to eat solid foods three weeks after the attack.

Gareth Fitzsimmons had been using a games machine in Liquid nightclub, Blackburn, on which players pay £1 to thump a punch bag three times.

He beat the score set by two men who turned on him.

Mr Fitzsimmons, 22, of Bolton, suffered a shattered jaw after being repeatedly kicked on August 23.

His mother has now launched a petition to get the machines banned from nightclubs.

Marie Fitzsimmons, 46, said: “Gareth still can’t eat proper food.

"He can only have liquids, because his jaw is wired together and he can’t talk properly.

“He’s still in a lot of pain and is on morphine. We’ve been told it will be up to 18 months before it is properly healed.

“I still can’t believe all this has happened over a stupid game.”

Mrs Fitzsimmons has written to the MPs and the mayors of Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen, as well as to the police and is compiling a petition to have the machines banned.

Due to the severity of Gareth's injuries, doctors have only been able to repair one side of his jaw.

His lower jaw was broken in three places, including two dislocations. He also suffered a broken cheek bone.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital, which has a specialist unit for facial injuries, and underwent seven hours of surgery.

Once the first side of his jaw is healed, he will have surgery on the other side.

Anyone wanting to sign the petition can contact her on 07745 715 827.