A Margate man who took out his frustration on a sleeping "street drinker" has been ordered to tackle his own drink problem.

Angry garden worker Lewis Harris, 22, spotted Leon Martin lying on the ground at St John's Church in the town and kicked him three times in the head before walking away.

Harris, of Marlborough Road, was later arrested but denied the attack - until police spotted blood on his trainers matching his victim's DNA.

He admitted assault and was given an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

Joseph Templeton, prosecuting, told Canterbury Crown Court how in August last year Mr Martin - "an unemployed habitual street drinker" - was asleep near the church.

"He woke up to find himself being kicked in the face by Harris which caused him pain and he was aware of blood.

"He was kicked at least twice more to the face and then next thing he remembers was being treated by paramedics and was taken to hospital with a cut nose."

Ian Foinette, defending, said: "There is no getting away from the fact that this was a thoroughly unpleasant incident which resulted in injuries being caused - and it was good luck that they weren't more serious."

He said Harris had been suffering from drink problems "over many years" - despite being only 22.

The Judge, Recorder Charles Gibson, said Harris had been "upset by things going on in his private life" and had attacked a "defenceless man while he was asleep".

Harris was told he had to undergo six months of treatment for his alcohol problem and do 180 hours' unpaid work for the community.