A MAN with four convictions for violence has been warned that he could go to prison after he admitted an attack which left his victim with a broken hand.

Harrogate magistrates heard how 37-year-old Paul Thew launched an unprovoked attack on Philip Smith when he met him on a fire escape behind flats in Station Parade, Harrogate.

Nick Ralph, prosecuting, said the attack continued on the patio below and only ended when bystanders intervened.

Numerous punches were thrown in the assault and Mr Smith was left with a cracked jaw, a broken hand, a loosened tooth, a cut and bruised left eye and scratches to his nose and forehead.

Thew, of Juniper Way, Harrogate, who admitted causing actual bodily harm was said to have two convictions for similar offences and two for grievous bodily harm as well as others for public order and damage offences.

After studying photographs of Mr Smith's injuries and others which showed a pool of blood at the scene, court chairman Mike Garnett told Thew that with his record the assault was serious enough for a prison sentence to be considered.

He ordered probation reports to be prepared and adjourned the hearing until July 16.