A MAN who plays the role of a rioter in army training exercises has been jailed for his role in a violent attack.

Scott Galbraith returned to Middlesbrough to hear that his uncle had been the target of a theft and set about tracking down the alleged culprit.

The 31-year-old was joined by his friend who was the main instigator of the assault and theft of cigarettes from an innocent man.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Galbraith joined in the attack on September 24 last year when the victim was already on the ground.

Phillip Morley, prosecuting, the attack took place in the Hemlington area at around 5.45pm when the victim was making his way home from work.

He said the man was punched and kicked before having his pockets rifled when cash and cigarettes were stolen.

Galbraith, of HMP Durham, pleaded guilty to theft and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

His barrister, Robert Mochrie said his client accepted he had over stepped the mark when he heard about what happened to his uncle when he returned to the area after working as a 'rioter' for army training.

Judge Paul Watson QC said: "When you are not getting involved in offending, you live a hardworking lifestyle. You got involved in the attack on the victim when he was on the floor."

He was jailed for 30 weeks.