Man jailed for west Cumbria attack

David Smith has been jailed for two years Credit: Cumbria Police

A man has been jailed for a vicious assault in Workington which left his victim with a broken leg.

David Smith, 31, approached Patrick McKenna from behind and knocked him to the ground before delivering punches and kicks as he lay prone.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Smith, having "completely lost it", then deliberately stamped or trod on Mr McKenna's lower leg.

The victim needed hospital treatment for a fractured fibula and suffered bruising to his face and head.

Smith pleaded guilty to causing Mr McKenna grievous bodily harm, and was sentenced today.

The defendant was said to have been "highly stressed" at the time of an incident which occurred on 9 January. It related to a perceived grievance against Mr McKenna, who has learning difficulties.

But Judge Peter Hughes QC said there was no justification for the attack and imposed an immediate two-year prison sentence.

"This was a sustained and vicious assault," Judge Hughes told Smith, of Poole Road, Salterbeck, Workington. "This was a real beating."