A thug who carried out a unprovoked attack on his mother’s former partner has been locked up.

Ryan Holsgrove, 21, caused Luke Brodie head injuries, including fractures and a bleed on the brain when he attacked him in Friary Place in Strood, in June last year.

He was jailed for two years and eight months at Maidstone Crown Court after previously admitting one count of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Pedestrians found the 36-year-old father lying on the corner of Friary Place, in the early evening of June 21.

Holsgrove, 21, of Ballens Road, Lordswood, was driving though the town when he saw Mr Brodie and got of his car and carried out the unprovoked attack and punched him.

Holsgrove, who worked for a furniture business on Medway City Estate, then drove away from the incident leaving his victim unconscious on the floor before getting back in his car and driving away.

"This was a violent unprovoked attack which was not pre-planned but carried out after Holsgrove saw his victim in the town and lost control" - DC Paul Oliver

Mr Brodie, from Strood, suffered a head injury, two fractured eye sockets and cuts and bruises to both his face and body. He has since recovered.

When he pleaded guilty to the offence last year, John Fitzgerald, defending, told the court Mr Brodie had been in a relationship with Holsgrove’s mother and there were “derogatory assertions” in mitigation.

“It was an abusive relationship,” he said. “He hadn’t seen him for six years. He happened across him on the day of the offence. He committed it on the spur of the moment.”

After sentencing, DC Paul Oliver said: “This was a violent unprovoked attack which was not pre-planned but carried out after Holsgrove saw his victim in the town and lost control.

“He took things too far and now he is paying with a prison sentence.

“I hope his time in prison allows him to reflect on his behaviour and also sends a message to others that violence will not be tolerated and Kent Police will always investigate fully and ensure those responsible face up to their crime.”