A THUG who left a man with a broken nose and eye socket before attacking kebab shop staff has been jailed.

Johnny Southgate, 29, of Magdalen Street, Colchester, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday for sentencing.

The court heard Southgate had attacked Russell Smith on March 3 in East Street, Colchester.

He asked Mr Smith where his money was before chasing him down the road, punching him and kicking him on the ground in broad daylight.

Christopher Kerr, prosecuting, said: “Mr Smith was seen lying on the ground being punched and kicked.”

The defendant was heard by witnesses saying he would kill Mr Smith if he stole from him again.

Mr Smith was taken to hospital after suffering a broken nose and eye socket.

A short time later Southgate became involved in a “scuffle” inside a kebab shop in St Boltoph’s Street.

According to witnesses, Southgate was seen acting aggressively towards members of staff.

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He then threw punches and spat at members of staff and threw a pole through a window before threatening to burn the shop down, the court heard.

David O’Malley, defending, said Southgate knew Mr Smith and accused him of stealing his mobile phone.

Mr O’Malley said: “Southgate felt betrayed and when he chased Mr Smith down the road he was enraged.”

When the second attack happened, Mr O’Malley said Southgate had drunk whisky and “lost his mind”.

Mr O’Malley said: “He understands what he has done, but wants to start his life again.”

The court heard Southgate became a father on March 17 and wants to be there for his child.

Southgate admitted grievous bodily harm and affray on March 5.

Judge Rupert Overbury said count one was a serious offence which was an unprovoked attack where he went round the victim’s house and ran after him.

He said the second attack was another unprovoked act of violence, this time against people in their workplace.

Judge Overbury said: “You behaved in an aggressive and revolting way to members of the public.”

Judge Rupert Overbury sentenced Southgate to 42 months imprisonment for the first charge and 16 months for the second to run concurrently.