A THUG has been locked up for attacking a teenager who was feeding ducks at a Lake District beauty spot.

As victim Joseph Martin handed out bread to the birds close to the shore of Windermere, he was given a savage beating by Carl Ward on April 25 last year.

Ward, a father-of-three, had stepped in after his then-pregnant wife tackled Mr Martin over perceived littering at picturesque The Glebe, Bowness.

Ward stuck thumbs into the throat and eye of the helpless 18-year-old during a shocking Saturday evening incident seen by witnesses. Mr Martin was then punched several times.

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Carlisle Crown Court heard Ward also grabbed the teenager in a "sleeper" headlock which caused him to fear he would black out.

Mr Martin's multiple injuries included a "through-and-through" lip gash which needed almost a dozen stitches.

Having pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding, Ward was sent to prison for 10 months today by Judge Peter Davies.

Ward, of Greengarth, Great Clifton, Workington, was told by the judge: "You have to go to custody.

"People must know that violence in public cannot be tolerated."