A DRUNKEN thug who punched and kicked an 81-year-old grandfather in an "appalling" attack was jailed for four years yesterday.

Homeless Peter William Vant, 20, admitted at Teesside Crown Court attempting to rob war veteran Edward Bavin in Redcar High Street in March.

Harry Hatfield, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Bavin, a former soldier and steel worker, was returning home from a night out at Redcar Working Men's Club when he was grabbed from behind.

He said: "This young man then started trying to pull at the gold ring he was wearing on his left hand and a struggle ensued.

"At one point they let go of each other when Mr Bavin said to Vant that he would let go if he did. He was struck in the face by Vant's fist and that knocked him to his knees."

Mr Hatfield said the pensioner was then kicked as the young thug demanded his wallet. When Vant let go, Mr Bavin's head struck a wall.

Mr Bavin was taken to hospital and treated for cuts and bruises to his face, head and knees.

Ron Hunt, for Vant, said the defendant had been very drunk on the night of the incident but was now "genuinely remorseful". He said: "The defendant was so drunk that he did not even know the age of the person with whom he believed he was fighting with.

"He was so drunk that, to this day, he does not believe himself that he had the intention to rob, but he must accept the evidence because he was so drunk that the recollection he has is no recollection at all."

Mr Hunt added that his client was "not so wicked as to be beyond help".

Sentencing Vant to four years, Judge Peter Fox, QC, said the attack was "appalling" and there was no excuse to be found in being drunk.

He said: "You have got a dreadful record with previous convictions for violence.

"You pose a danger to law abiding citizens and it is my duty to protect them from you."