A TEENAGER who launched a sickening unprovoked attack on a vet which left him unconscious in Westbury town centre has escaped jail, after a judge heard he was sorry for what he had done and was due to start work in the building trade.

Matthew Chadwick was with a group of friends in Westbury Market Place when they set about Christopher Hoew.

After a younger pal punched the man, causing him to fall to the ground, the 18-year-old lifted him by his hair and punched him hard to the face.

He then continued the attack moments later, landing repeated blows to Mr Hoew after he got up and crossed the road, while one of his pals tried to film it on his phone.

Hannah Squire, prosecuting, showed the court CCTV footage of the attack on March 13.

She told how Mr Hoew was seen standing on the corner opposite the White Lion when Chadwick and some of his group approached.

One of the others punched the victim, causing him to fall backwards so he was sitting on the pavement, before Chadwick lifted him and landed the blow.

Chadwick and his mates then crossed to the other side of the road, where he did a celebratory fist bump, before their victim got up and slowly walked across to them.

The court heard the teenager then continued the attack, raining numerous blows as his victim was on the ground, and had to be dragged off his unconscious body by his friends.

Amazing, Miss Squire said Mr Hoew was taken to hospital but only needed treatment for a large swelling to the rear of his head and a two inch cut through his top lip.

When he was first questioned the defendant said he was grabbed by Mr Hoew before his friend came over, one punched him and he was not responsible for the injuries.

But after he was shown the CCTV footage he accepted that had not happened and that the victim was 'offering no resistance or threat to him'.

As a result of the attack Miss Squire said Mr Hoew had given up his job as he was worried about working in Westbury at night.

Chadwick, of Bridge Court, Westbury, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm.

Tony Bignall, defending, said his client was still only 17 at the time of the incident and had just finished at Trowbridge College.

He said he seemed to have gone off the rails after the death of a friend in a car crash a few years ago followed by losing a grandparent.

"He, himself, says it is the worst mistake he has made. He can't explain why he did it. He says he would like to apologise to the person," he said.

Passing sentence Judge Sir John Royce said "Anyone watching that video would react with horror and disgust at what you did.

"Mr Hoew did nothing to provoke this sustained assault upon him. He was by himself."

He imposed a 20-month jail term suspended for two years with 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and a six month 10pm to 5.30am curfew.