A drunken thug has been jailed for two-and-a-half-years after repeatedly kicking and beating up a soldier after a boozy night.

Robert Farrow had never been in trouble with the police before he got drunk on a Saturday night in York city centre and then attacked his victim in Bridge Street at 4am until friends pulled him away.

Just one day after the country's judges warned that extended licensed hours will lead to more violence, York's top judge made it clear what will happen to those who drink and fight.

"This court is sick and tired, as are the public, of listening to this sort of thing, of experiencing this sort of thing on the streets of York," said the Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Hoffman. "While I am here, I will do my best to discourage this.

"This was a brutal and merciless assault."

Farrow could have fractured his victim's bones or given him brain damage with the kicks and blows he rained down on the soldier's head and ribs, said the judge after watching a CCTV recording of the attack.

The soldier had not fought back at all, but had merely tried to protect himself from the onslaught.

Fortunately for the soldier, he only suffered minor injuries and aching ribs and headaches for some weeks. Despite being a soldier and presumably well able to cope with rough and tumble, the attack had given him anxiety problems, said the judge.

Farrow, 21, of James Street Caravan Site, York, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

Simon Kealey, prosecuting, said that the victim had himself been drinking heavily in York city centre on the evening of April 23. At about 4am, he was in Bridge Street.

As a CCTV operator watched, Farrow set about him, kicking him six or seven times, punching him in the head and face and kicking him again. He eventually left his victim crumpled and unconscious on the ground. Mr Kealey said that the soldier suffered grazes and minor injuries, though his ribs ached

For Farrow, James Robinson said there had been some provocation, though the judge was not convinced. Mr Robinson also said that Mr Tremble's unconsciousness could have been due to his drink rather than the attack and that Farrow was remorseful for his actions.

The attack was out of character.

Updated: 11:59 Monday, August 15, 2005