A LOUT on a suspended prison sentence for late-night drunken violence has dodged jail again despite a repeat of his behaviour.

Ross Graddon was given another chance when he appeared in court for punching a man in the street on a night out with friends.

The 20-year-old left his victim needing stitches in an eye wound after the attack in Church Street, Hartlepool, on August 25.

In May 2013, he was given a suspended jail term after being part of a gang attack on a father and son in the same street.

Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday how burly Graddon and two friends followed the men before setting about them for no reason.

Graddon repeatedly punched and kicked the son while the others beat the older man - leaving him unconscious on the ground.

One of the others then ran over and launched a "flying karate-style kick" at the son, prosecutor Sue Jacobs told the court.

They continued to punch, kick and knee him and chased him up the street after he broke free from the barrage of blows.

The father was left with a gaping six-inch wound to the back of his head, and his son needed stitches in his nose, chin and eye.

Graddon was given a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with unpaid community work and a night-time curfew.

His barrister, Paul Abrahams, said: "He had a lot to drink and did acts which - while he has a previous incident - he would not involve himself in on an ordinary day."

Graddon, of Kildale Grove, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, admitted a charge of common assault at an earlier court hearing.

Recorder Michael Slater gave him a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered him to pay £145 costs.