AN aggresive beggar who whipped a disabled former soldier in the face and tipped him from his wheelchair has been jailed.

Colin Martin approached wheelchair-bound Brian Gilholm in Newcastle's West End and asked for cigarettes.

When Mr Gilholme, who was taking his collie dog Ben for a walk, refused, Martin attacked him.

Mr Gilholm, 48, of Elswick, Newcastle, was taken to hospital with a collapsed lung and head injuries.

Martin, 25, of no fixed address, admitted assault with intent to rob. He was jailed for four-and-a-half years.