A Telford man who attacked a friend after a night of drinking has been sentenced to a community order on his 22nd birthday.

Paul Hammond, of Oak Road, Overdale, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday. He had previously admitted assaulting Michael O’Brian on November 29 last year, causing him actual bodily harm.

Judge Nicholas Mitchell sentenced him to an 18-month community order to include supervision from the probation service and an anger management programme. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to his victim.

Mr Anthony Johnston, prosecuting, said the men and their girlfriends had been out drinking together and had gone back to Hammond’s house shortly after 2am to continue drinking.

He said an argument broke out between Hammond and his partner and Mr O’ Brian intervened.

“Mr Hammond grabs Mr O’Brian and thrusts him across the room into the patio doors. Mr O’Brian fell to the floor at which stage Mr Hammond repeatedly punched him,” added Mr Johnston.

“The girls were calling for him to stop and eventually Mr Hammond did stop and turned his attention back to his partner. Mr O’Brian was able to grab hold of his leg.”

The court heard the attack then continued and resulted in Hammond putting Mr O’ Brian’s head through a glass table.

Mr Paul Smith, for Hammond, said his client had voluntarily been to an anger management course.