A Basildon man who attacked a stranger in Colchester has been jailed for four months.

CCTV footage shown in court showed Lee Chalcraft, 22, of Hereford Walk, Basildon, assaulting the man in the Red Lion Walk precinct on July 6 last year.

Shini Cooksley, prosecuting, said it was an unprovoked attack on a stranger who was injured in the chest and suffered cuts and bruises to his tongue.

She said Chalcraft, who admitted the assault, kicked the man in the chest.

The victim ran towards a soup kitchen and finally escaped by going into the Cafe Rouge restaurant. He lost his glasses, valued at £249, in the attack.

Mrs Cooksley added Chalcraft had been drinking.

Defending, David Davies said in mitigation Chalcraft was truly remorseful for the attack.

He said: "It's fortunate the aggrieved did not receive more serious injuries. All Mr Chalcraft can do is apologise for his behaviour."

Chalcraft also admitted failing to surrender to custody on August 7 last year. Mr Davies said he was working and had contacted police.

Colchester magistrates sentenced Chalcraft to four months in prison for the attack and 21 days for the failure to surrender.

Published Thursday January 15, 2004

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