A drunken thug who launched a random attack in the street, leaving his victim in need of specialist facial surgery, has been locked up under an extended sentence.

Mark Lewis will serve two years in prison and then be on licence for a further 18 months.

His victim, Brett Stone, a keen sportsman, suffered a fractured cheekbone and eye injury from the one punch inflicted. A plate had to be inserted in his cheek and he was deeply affected by the assault.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that Lewis, 25, had previously been jailed for four years for robbing an elderly woman in March 2003 and also had a conviction for actual bodily harm.

The court heard Mr Stone, 23, was hit, for no apparent reason, by Lewis as he walked in Tonbridge High Street late at night with a friend on July 6 last year.

Lewis then argued with Mr Stone’s friend but was knocked out by him. When police arrived, Mr Stone said he did not wish to press charges.

Later that night Mr Stone's face became swollen and the pain unbearable. The next day he went to hospital where an X-ray revealed a fracture and he was referred to the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, for surgery.

When arrested, Lewis said he had drunk so much that evening he could not remember anything.

The jury heard that Lewis, who at the time of the 2003 robbery was addicted to heroin, had not meant to cause Mr Stone serious injury.

But Judge Jeremy Carey told him: "I bear in mind it was a single punch, but whatever you may have convinced yourself of the fact is you must have hit him hard, because of those injuries.

“I am satisfied in your sober estate and not full of dope, you are genuinely remorseful. But this is a bad case of grievous bodily harm.”

Lewis, who has been staying at a bail hostel in south east London, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent.