An alcoholic who stamped on an unconscious neighbour’s head was attacked in custody, a court heard.

John Mocock grimaced when judge Mark Weekes sentenced him to prison following the "horrifying attack".

The 47-year-old, who had drunk a bottle of vodka, punched Simon Spring in the head 20 times, grabbed him by the throat and pushed him over.

As the victim lay unconscious in the corridor of his Marine Terrace home, Folkestone, Mocock disappeared inside his own flat.

The defendant emerged shortly afterwards and twice stamped on Mr Spring’s head.

Prosecuting barrister Bridget Todd said: "There was a light exchange that changed" into "pushing and punching."

"The defendant grabbed him by the throat and pushed him hard.

"He fell against the ground and was unresponsive, the defendant then went to his flat, returned, and proceeded to stamp on Mr Spring at least twice."

Miss Todd added Mr Spring left hospital before receiving an x-ray, however, photo evidence of the injuries were indicative of a fractured cheekbone.

Mocock has been convicted 10 times in 21 reported offences including battery in 2016, Miss Todd explained.

"The defendant then went to his flat, returned, and proceeded to stamp on Mr Spring at least twice” - prosecutor Bridget Todd

Mitigating barrister Chris Kirk revealed Mocock, who was remanded in custody following the attack shortly after midnight on the morning of February 13, had been the victim of assault.

"He had drunk a bottle of vodka, he accepts what he did was entirely out of proportion to the horseplay.

"He has detoxified and thinks it is horrifying what he has done, he has said it has been a wake-up call.

"He has not found custody easy, he has been assaulted."

Mocock pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday and was jailed for a year and nine months.

Passing sentence, Recorder Weekes said: "The victim was prone and unresponsive, you returned and stamped on his head - it was sickening violence."

Mocock returned with a towel and helped the victim to his feet which indicated 'remorse'.

The judge added: "You are an alcoholic for life, it is a condition you can address gradually."

Detective Constable Andrew Dale, of Kent Police, added: "This was a shocking incident which left the victim with serious injuries and I hope that the sentence will allow him some closure."