By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 11:38, Tuesday, 17 April 2012

A judge has warned a man he faces jail, following a “sustained” unprovoked attack.

Daniel Cayne, 23, of Balfour Road, Raffles, Carlisle, punched his victim Matthew McDonnell in the head, before kicking him “five or six times” as he was on the ground.

Following legal discussions about possible sentencing, Cayne pleaded guilty yesterday at Carlisle Crown Court to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Judge Barbara Forrester heard that the victim had been walking home late one night last October, when he passed Cayne.

He punched Mr McDonnell in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Witnesses recall seeing him propped up against a shop window, holding his head in his hands, as Cayne kicked him five or six times.

Judge Forrester said she would give Cayne credit for his previous good character and any guilty plea, but warned it would involve custody.

She said: “It was an unprovoked attack at night after the Cayne had been drinking, and involved several kicks to the head to somebody who was in no position to defend himself.

“The starting point of sentence would be one year immediate custody.”

After a short break, Cayne admitted the assault.

The case was adjourned until May 17 for pre-sentence reports.

First published at 11:25, Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk