A runner who assaulted a 73-year-old pensioner as he walked his dog has been handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence.

Arthur McMaster, 60, was found guilty of assaulting Gordon Cull after a two day trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

McMaster, from Nackington Road, Canterbury, was given a two-year restraining order not to go within the area of land between Old Dover Road and the rear boundaries of St Anselm’s Catholic School and Simon Langton Grammar School for Girls.

The court heard the incident took place on a bridleway between the schools just after 9am on Saturday, January 22.

Investigating officer Det Con Keith Rochford said: “Mr Cull was out walking his black labrador when Arthur McMaster ran past. McMaster went to kick the dog and when Mr Cull tried to intervene, McMaster assaulted him.”

Mr Cull, 73, was left with extensive bruising and a laceration to his left forearm, a black eye and a swollen face after being punched, hit and kicked.

Det Con Rochford added: “McMaster claimed in court that he had a fear of dogs and thought the labrador was going to attack him, but there was absolutely no evidence to show that the dog meant him any harm.

“He claimed there had been an altercation between the two men and he had used reasonable force. In fact, this was a totally unprovoked attack on a pensioner who was simply out walking his dog on a Saturday morning.”

Following a unanimous guilty verdict for the assault charge, Judge Adele Williams described McMaster’s actions as “vile”.

Detective Constable Rochford said: “Today’s sentence reflects the severity of the incident and shows how seriously the courts take assault.

“I am pleased that Mr Cull and his wife feel that they can now walk their dogs safely and without fear.”

McMaster's sentence will be suspended for two years, but Judge Williams also ordered him to carry out 100 hours community service, handed him a three month curfew between the hours of 10pm and 10am and ordered him to pay £500 compensation to his victim and £2,000 costs.

He was cleared of a separate charge of possessing an offensive weapon.