A THUG who punched and kicked a man to the ground during a drunken brawl in Bridgwater town centre has been jailed.

Shane Pople, 25, of Sunnymead, Bridgwater, launched the vicious attack after getting into a row with victim Simon Land during a night out in October last year.

Pople was jailed for eight months at Taunton Crown Court last week after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm at a previous hearing.

The court heard how Pople had shouted at Mr Land to come outside after the victim had returned home to a flat in town.

Prosecutor Robert Prosser told the court: “The victim went outside and confronted the defendant and the two got involved in a fight and both ended up on the floor. The victim went unconscious.”

The court was told a witness described Pople circling the victim before giving him ‘a good kick’ to the back of his head. He is thought to have punched the victim’s head at least ten times, the court heard.

The victim suffered swelling to his face, a swollen eye socket and a fracture to the nose.

Mr Prosser added: “The defendant said the victim grabbed him by the arm and they exchanged blows.

“There was an element of self-defence, though serious and nasty injuries were caused.”

Patrick Mason, defending, said although Pople had a history of violence, the last offence on his record was four years ago.

He said: “He’s established a good work ethic and takes care of his mother. Mr Pople is a loyal, caring and helpful son. He has also applied to join the forces.

“It all goes wrong when he has a bit too much to drink and he is inclined to go on binges from time to time.”

Mr Mason said at first Pople had acted lawfully but then used ‘excessive self-defence’.

Judge Erik Salomonsen told Pople: “The punches and the kick were far beyond what was necessary.

“It was late at night and you were under the influence. I’m putting you straight into custody as we should with anybody who commits an offence of violence in this way.”