A TEENAGER who was convicted of a violent attack on a man in front of his 14-year-old son only avoided prison after the victim told police: “He needs help.

A TEENAGER who was convicted of a violent attack on a man in front of his 14-year-old son only avoided prison after the victim told police: “He needs help.”

Jobless Luke Nolson, 19, punched the man, who can not be named for legal reasons, smashing his glasses and leaving him requiring three stitches to repair a wound above his eye. His other eye was left badly bruised.

Nolson, of Rouse Hall Estate, Clopton, broke down in tears as Recorder Rupert Overbury passed an eight-month suspended prison sentence and told him: “I have noted what the victim has said in his statement, that he feels you need help.

“You are extremely fortunate that he has taken such a generous attitude towards you.

“Had he not said that this court would have had no option but to immediately pass a sentence of imprisonment for several months.”

Ipswich Crown Court heard that the incident, on January 6, was Nolson's second conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm within 12 months.

On February 17 last year, a jury found Nolson and a 17-year-old accomplice guilty of kicking and punching two Ipswich Borough Council workmen who were repairing the road surface at the junction of Yarmouth Road and London Road.

The unprovoked attack left the victims bruised and shaken.

Mr Overbury said Nolson had quickly amassed a serious criminal record for violence.

He continued: “You accept you are quick tempered and you accept you deliberately punched him (the victim) in the head.

“The situation was not helped by the victim's son being present to witness your aggression and violence.

“You accept that what you did was completely inappropriate and it does appear you tried to say sorry after the event. You have demonstrated remorse.”

Nolson's sentence was suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to take part in an aggression replacement programme and given a community order with a supervision requirement.

He was ordered to pay £258 compensation towards replacing the broken glasses.