AN UNEMPLOYED Poole man who stamped so hard on a student's head he left a shoe print on the side of his face has been given "a last chance to get his life back on track".

Danny Edwards, 26, of Christopher Crescent, admitted assaulting Charles White on February 26 this year, occasioning actual bodily harm.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how Edwards had pushed Mr White to the ground in Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, punched him and then stamped on his head, leaving him bleeding and dazed in the street.

Mr White's companions took him home in a taxi but the next morning, after suffering head pains, he went to hospital.

The court heard how a shoe mark had been found on the left side of Mr White's forehead. He also suffered cuts to his nose as well as knee and shoulder injuries.

Edwards was arrested on March 10.

Defending, Keith Kelleher said: "Plainly this type of violence is totally unacceptable. No one is more aware of this than Mr Edwards."

He added that his client had been the victim of violence himself in December 2002.

"As a result of that attack he became very withdrawn, anxious and depressed. He then resorted to alcohol.

"On February 26 he was not in a normal state of mind. He bitterly regrets what happened and is trying to address his mental health and drinking problems."

Imposing a community punishment and rehabilitation order, Judge James Meston said: "You displayed wholly unacceptable violence, almost certainly as a result of drink and lack of self control.

"This was a deliberate and unprovoked attack in a public place.

"You were aggressive, abusive and drunk.

"Your victim suffered a number of injuries including a head injury. Fortunately his injuries were not more serious.

"I am giving you what is almost certain to be a last chance to get your life back on track and address your problems. It is not a soft option."

Edwards was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work and placed under the supervision of a probation officer for two years.

First published: Oct 11