Jealous Bristol man attacked victim who kissed girlfriend

A jealous boyfriend who launched a "vicious and prolonged attack" on a man who had kissed his girlfriend has avoided jail.

Ian Purnell left his victim with a hairline fracture to a cheekbone after punching him to the ground then continuing to attack him.

The 18-year-old, of Collin Road, Brislington, was pulled off his victim and later arrested.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was handed a two-month suspended prison sentence.

He was also ordered to attend an aggression training and replacement programme, and pay his victim £200 compensation.

Mark Worsley, prosecuting at Bristol Crown Court, said victim Simon O'Connor had been walking along Collin Road in Brislington between 3.30pm and 4pm on June 20 this year when he saw the defendant, who walked up to him and lashed out for no apparent reason.

Mr Worsley said Purnell warned Mr O'Connor to stay away from his girlfriend and was pulled off his victim by a friend.

Mr O'Connor went to hospital and told police who had attacked him. Purnell was arrested.

In interview the defendant told officers he had hit Mr O'Connor because he kissed his girlfriend.

Kirsty Real, defending, said her client had carried out a spontaneous attack on Mr O'Connor.

Sentencing Purnell, Recorder Mr Barry Cotter QC said: "Welcome to the Crown Court. I hope it's the first and last occasion you come here. A custodial sentence is warranted. What separates you from many other people in your position is you have employment."