A MAN who carried out an unprovoked street assault was easily caught by police - having told the victim his name, a court heard.

Michael Curley struck the passer-by in the head and then asked the injured man: "Do you know who I am?"

Durham Crown Court was told that when the victim replied that he did not know him, the assailant replied: "I'm Mickey Curley".

Rachel Hedworth, prosecuting, said it did not prove difficult to find Curley.

She told the court the incident took place as the pair, previously unknown to each other, crossed paths in a street in Murton, on August 14 last year.

Mr Hedworth said after landing the blow, Curley warned the victim not to report the attack.

But he did inform police, and later picked out Curley from a video identification parade.

Miss Hedworth said although Curley had a number of previous offences, there was little on his record for violence.

Alex Burns, mitigating, said: "It was not a pre-planned attack, but he was stupid enough to tell the victim his name.

"However, since then, he has managed to obtain his first job, a good one, working offshore."

Mr Burns said Curley earns a good wage and, when on shore leave, has care of his child, all of which has, "helped to bring him to his senses".

He added: "Despite the unpleasant nature of the attack, the injuries caused were thankfully minor, and Mr Curley wishes to apologise to this man."

Twenty-seven-year-old Curley, of Luke Crescent, in Seaham, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Recorder Jonathan Aitken said he was just able to avoid imposing a deserved immediate prison sentence.

"You're a powerfully-built young man, and such street violence is usually met by immediate custody.

"However, it seems for the first time you have a chance to make something of your life, and I've decided against imposing a sentence which would mean you would lose your job."

He imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered Curley to pay his victim £400 compensation, plus £350 costs.