A YOUNG man who beat up a stranger in a blind rage outside a York shop has been jailed for four years.

Lloyd Jones's kicks, stamps and six to eight punches broke the jaw and cheekbone of van driver George Feechan as he lay motionless on the ground in The Mount, York Crown Court heard.

The attacker had spent the afternoon and evening drinking and watching a rugby international before withdrawing cash from a dispenser at The Mount Supershop.

York jurors heard that as he left, he encountered late-night shopper Mr Feechan and then waited for him outside the shop.

There he launched the onslaught that left Mr Feechan unconscious on the ground. The driver told the jury he still suffered side effects ten months later.

"On this night you experienced a blind rage and the consequences were that this man who got in your way and you beat up," the Honorary Recorder of York Judge Paul Hoffman told Jones.

Jones, 26, of Lady Mill Garth, Clifton, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent in November 2001. A first jury was hung, a second convicted him unanimously. Before both he claimed he had nothing to do with the attack.

When he returned to York Crown Court for sentence, his barrister, Tom Storey, said he had now admitted that he was responsible and was ashamed and remorseful for his actions.

The attack was out of character and clearly was something to do with drink.

He had had difficulties at the time that led him to drink too much.

Updated: 10:24 Saturday, April 12, 2003