A MAN who attacked an innocent passer-by was jailed yesterday for a year.

Christopher Francis McStravick, 23, of Thirlmere Road, Darlington, had taken a mix of drink and anti-depressants before the incident, which took place in Mill Lane, Darlington, at 8.30pm, on a Friday last September.

Durham Crown Court was told a 56-year-old man was walking home from his daughter's house when he passed McStravick and another man, who both shouted abusive remarks.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said McStravick stood in his way, but the man stepped by and carried on walking.

As he passed the Highland Laddie pub the man heard footsteps behind and turned to see McStravick lashing out at him with a pool cue in a case.

He managed to block the blow with his arm and McStravick went to the floor, but the victim then felt the second man jump on his back, before blacking out.

Mr Newcombe said it appears McStravick struck him further blows and the victim was cut on the back of his head, had a swollen face, jaw and cheek, small cuts on his nose and lip, as well as losing a tooth.

When interviewed McStravick, who pleaded guilty to wounding at an earlier hearing, said he was "steaming drunk" and believed someone had spiked his drinks.

Martin Towers, mitigating, said it was, "not anything other than an unprovoked attack".

He said McStravick was shocked at what he had done, particularly when he saw the photographs of the victim taken by police