A SOLDIER who attacked a father and son in a drunken rage has been spared prison, because he is his battalion's only armorer ahead of a tour of Afghanistan.

Daniel Olds's commanding officer wrote to the Teesside Crown Court judge describing the 21-year-old as "an exceptional talent" who was needed by his comrades.

He faced being kicked out of the army if he was locked up or even if he was given a suspended jail sentence or more than 100 hours' unpaid community work.

The judge, Recorder Mark McKone, admitted that he could face criticism for not imprisoning Olds or his two pals for what he called "a disgraceful incident".

He said the three three young men used "serious violence" towards two innocent revellers in Hartlepool town centre in the early hours of October 6 last year.

Olds repeatedly stamped on the head of a middle-aged man, knocking him unconscious, while his friend, Ross Graddon, 19, grappled with him on the ground.

The squaddie then launched a flying karate kick at the man's son before following it up with punches and more kicks, prosecutor Matthew Bean told the court.

The second victim is now afraid to go into town socialising after suffering a number of serious cuts, including two which needed nine and 12 stitches to repair.

A third man, 19-year-old plumber Andrew Porritt, was part of the ugly skirmishes but did not assault anyone, his barrister Christopher Attwooll said.

The court heard that all three troublemakers had been to the funeral of Porritt's grandfather and drunk heavily during the afternoon and evening.

Their lawyers said they were all sickened and ashamed when they were shown closed circuit television footage of the incident after their arrests.

Olds, of 32 Regiment Royal Artillery Wessex Gunners, who lives in barracks in Salisbury, Wiltshire, faced prison after he admitted two charges of actual bodily harm.

He was given a 12-month community order with 99 hours' unpaid work, 12 months' supervision and a six-month curfew from 7pm to 5am with £2,250 compensation.

Mr Recorder McKone told him: "I would have imposed 16 months suspended for two years, but I am conscious that that would lose you your employment.

"It doesn't need me to tell you you I have given you a chance here . . . This really is your last chance of keeping your career in the army."

The judge added: "I have decided in the case of all three of you - although it has been a difficult decision, a close-run decision and a decision I know some people might seek to criticise me for - not to send you to custody."

Porritt, of The Grove, Greatham, Hartlepool, admitted affray and was given a suspended eight-month prison sentence with a six-month weekend curfew and £300 costs.

Graddon, of Kildale Grove, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, admitted actual bodily harm and received a 16-month suspended term, 200 hours' unpaid work, a three-month curfew and £1,500 compensation.