A THUG who broke a retired seaman’s leg in two places in an unprovoked attack is likely to be free in just more than four months.

John Bolan, who admitted grievous bodily harm, could have expected to serve half of the 12 months imposed, but 110 days on remand will count towards the sentence.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that his 59-year-old victim, James Shacklady, had been left a virtual prisoner in his own home because of the injury to his left leg. He is still on crutches 10 months after the assault.

Mr Shacklady had been heading home along Copthall Gardens, Folkestone, after having a drink during the afternoon of January 25 when he heard a woman shout out, asking for a light.

He replied that he did not have one and kept walking. The woman, who turned out to be Bolan’s wife, then shouted abuse at him. Mr Shacklady heard Bolan, 41, join in.

"“He followed it up by jumping on top of him, bringing him down to the floor with a crash," said Jonathan Higgs, prosecuting. "The defendant started to punch him on the top of the head. The police, by chance, were on the scene immediately."

Bolan, of Albert Costin Court, Foord Road, Folkestone, has a long list of previous convictions.

He told police that he could not remember what happened as he was drunk. He said that he had been drinking heavily for some months because it was better than taking heroin.

During the hearing, Judge David Caddick told Bolan’s wife to leave the court because of an outburst. As she left, she swore at the judge.