A man was left with life-changing injuries after being punched to the ground and then kicked in the head, it has been alleged.

Joe Shaw had been out drinking with friends in Ramsgate before being attacked and left with a bleed on the brain, a jury was told.

Liam Bayliss, 24 of Newcastle Hill, Ramsgate, has admitted causing Mr Shaw grievous bodily harm but denies doing it intending to cause the injuries.

Prosecutor Kieran Brand told Canterbury Crown Court that the incident happened in the early hours of March 17.

He alleged that Bayliss had been drunk and aggressive and picking a fight with a number of people, including a lady.

“The defendant’s friend, Kevin Conlin, had been with him and was trying to persuade him to leave the area and they headed towards a taxi rank.

“However, Bayliss continued to try and pick fights with people on his way. He and Mr Conlin eventually reached a pedestrianised crossroads in the town centre by some banks.

“It is here that he came across Mr Shaw and his friends and again, he continued to act aggressively in spite of Mr Conlin’s continued efforts to calm him down. “

Mr Brand added the two men then confronted each other and Bayliss punched Mr Shaw to the herad causing him to fall where he hit his head.

“He was knocked unconscious and was initially taken to Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

“There he was diagnosed as having a bleed on the brain and was later operated on at King’s College Hospital, London. He has suffered life-changing injuries as a result.”

Mr Conlin later told police after the two men confronted each other, Mr Shaw was knocked to the ground and was unconscious.

The jury is expected to hear evidence from eye witness Lewis Greenwood who had been in the Rokka bar and met a man called Joe later.

Mr Brand added: “At closing time, Mr Greenwood made his way along Harbour Parade. On his way, he had witnessed the aggressive behaviour of the Defendant.

“”He was causing a disturbance in Harbour Parade on the opposite side from the Rokka Bar. “He was trying to pick a fight with a big guy that Mr Greenwood knew as ‘Jonny’. He seemed to be trying to pick a fight with anybody, “ the prosecutor claimed.

The prosecutor added that Mr Greenwood then saw Joe push Bayliss by the right shoulder to get him away.

“The pair then started grappling with each other, at which point Mr Conlin moved towards Joe.

“Mr Greenwood grabbed Mr Conlin who told him that he didn’t want a problem. Mr Greenwood then then turned back to face Joe and the Defendant who were exchanging punches to the head. “

Mr Brand added: “He was then grabbed from behind and turned to try and get the arms off of him. While doing this he heard a loud slap, which sounded like a punch.

“He turned and saw Joe falling backwards. His head hit the ground before his body and as he was falling, the defendant then moved towards Joe’s head.

“Joe was flat out on his back. The defendant then kicked Joe to the left side of his head. Mr Greenwood saw the defendant’s whole leg swing before connecting with the kick, “ he alleged.

Mr Greenwood and friend Orlando Roach then tried to help Joe. They did not think he was breathing so did chest compressions. He was also attended to by others. In the end, the Mr Roach drove Joe to the hospital.

The trial continues.