A teenager downed a cocktail of drink and drugs before launching one of the worst "kicking assaults" ever seen by a judge.

David Johnstone, 19, had been out of a young offender's intitution for just one day when he launched the savage attack on Gary Abbott, 38, in March.

Mr Abbott was left with two teeth knocked out, had a fractured jaw which required surgery, three fractured ribs and needed four plates inserted into his face.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Johnstone had held a grudge against Mr Abbott after an earlier row.

Prosecutor Tom Moran said it came to the surface on March 29 when Johnstone attacked Mr Abbott, who had been drinking, while he was at the beach in South Shileds with his sons, aged 12 and 15.

A second man, who has not been identified, joined in, and Mr Abbott was repeatedly kicked and stamped on as he lay helpless on the ground -- while his two sons looked on in horror.

The court heard how Johnstone was arrested near the scene with blood on both hands and on his trainers.

Johnstone, who has a string of previous convictions for violence and disorder, was sentenced to four years behind bars. Judge Guy Whitburn told him: "You went completely beserk. He was very drunk and in no fit state to defend himself from your savage attack upon him.

"It is one of the worst kicking assaults I have seen."

Defence barrister John Wilkinson said Johnstone had downed ecstasy, temazepam, lager, cannabis, vokda and steroids just hours before the attack.

Johnstone, of Grassmere Road, Hebburn, had pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent at an earlier hearing. . .