A PROMISING rugby player put his potential career in jeopardy when he and friends attacked a helpless man "like a pack of hyenas".

Jon Irving was with friends celebrating his 18th birthday in Durham City when an American man became caught up in their "play fighting", shortly after 1am on February 1.

David Crook, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court: "The defendant seems to have taken a dislike to this man, who was going about his lawful business, and began picking on him.

"He was punched and kicked and fell to the ground, but got up and was knocked to the ground again.

"The most aggravating part is that while on the ground he was taunted, spat at, kicked in the head, and all the time he was absolutely helpless.

"It was an unprovoked, cowardly group attack."

Mr Crook said police arrived and arrested Irving and others in the group. Paramedics attended the victim, but he declined hospital treatment, the court heard.

Irving told police he had been celebrating his birthday after playing rugby and was "mortal drunk".

The court was told that his only previous conviction was for drink-driving, for which he was banned from motoring, last November.

Irving, of Glebe House, Glebe Farm, near Boldon, South Tyneside, admitted affray.

Andrew Walker, mitigating, said Irving showed "a level of contrition not usually seen by these courts".

"He's aware just how appalling it was and he is really ashamed," added Mr Walker.

"He was 18 that day and out celebrating, after playing rugby earlier. He's an extremely capable sportsman, a rugby player with great potential."

Mr Walker said Irving represents Durham County and North of England Colleges, and played for Otley second team in the season just finished, but hopes to have professional trials with Leeds Rhinos rugby league side.

"He has a good deal of potential and risked it all by his behaviour that night. Thankfully there appears to be no great injury."

Judge Tony Lancaster told Irving: "You behaved like a pack of hyenas after some prey, in completely shameful fashion."

But he added: "I come to the conclusion it's not necessary to send you to prison as I accept it was out of character, and you have shown great remorse and shame."

He ordered Irving to perform 80-hours' unpaid work.