AN ex-soldier felled a man in the street with a “haymaker”-type punch then struck him twice more as he lay defenceless on the ground, a court heard.

Preston Crown Court was told there was a long history between the pair’s families when Robert Thomson launched an attack after coming across Michael Henry in the small hours.

An eyewitness told police that Mr Henry had hit the back of his head on the road as a result of the first punch. There was then a “sickening crunch” as he was hit while lying on the ground.

Thomson was given 39 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, with an order to carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work for the community.

He was told to pay £1,800 prosecution costs, plus £425 compensation to the victim.

Mr Henry, 40, had extensive swelling to the left side of his face and a closed eye.

Thomson, 34, of Quebec Street, Ulverston, pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm on July 13 last year.

The court was told Mr Henry had been out drinking with friends in Ulverston.

He was walking home around 3am when he came upon a female friend and they ended up walking on Quebec Street.

Hilary Banks, prosecuting at Preston Crown Court, said Mr Henry went on to spot the defendant who was about six feet away and to him appeared wound up and aggressive.

She said: “Without warning, Mr Thomson threw a punch.

“The friend described the defendant delivering a huge haymaker type punch, hitting him directly in the face.

"He fell backwards as if unconscious. He fell straight back, the back of his head landing on the road.”

Zoe Nield, for Thomson, said he had an exemplary Army record and he would not have lost his self-control if sober.