A HOMELESS man was left beaten and bruised after trying to prevent drunken revellers taking his sleeping bag, a court heard yesterday.

Darlington beggar Joseph Holmes was punched in the face and kicked by 24-year-old Jason Jackson, who had stopped in the street with his friends to taunt him.

Jackson, of Vine Street, Darlington, sat with his head in his hands as security camera footage of the assault was shown to South Durham Magistrates' Court, in Darlington.

Ciaran Grogan, prosecuting, said Jackson had been out drinking with friends before stopping to speak to Mr Holmes, who was sleeping rough on the corner of Skinnergate and Post House Wynd.

The video showed Jackson taking the homeless man's hat before tugging at his sleeping bag.

Talking over the video footage, Mr Grogan said Jackson was seen to clench his fist while still holding on to the sleeping bag and then punch Mr Holmes twice.

He turned away for a moment and then returned to kick him.

"It was totally unprovoked and unnecessary," said Mr Grogan.

John Turner, in mitigation, said there had been a number of minor incidents between Jackson and Mr Holmes in the past.

Chairman of the bench Eric Fell said: "From your demeanour in court while we were watching that video it is obvious that you realise the enormity of what you did.

"I hope you realise how lucky you are to be walking out of here."

Jackson admitted a charge of assault and was fined £200 and told to pay £34 costs and £150 compensation to Mr Holmes, whose injuries included swelling and a cut to his eye.