A MAN launched a kung-fu style attack on a woman without any reason, a court heard yesterday.

Edith Ann Smith, 58, was walking home alone with a takeaway meal when she was assaulted, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Terry McGann, 26, ran across Springfield Road, Darlington and pulled her round, making her stumble, said David Scott, prosecuting.

He said: "He punched and kicked her and she described it as if he was doing kung-fu. She was pushed face first into a hedge."

The court heard that the victim pleaded with McGann to stop, but he only did so when she claimed: "Please leave me alone, I'm pregnant."

McGann was arrested the same night wielding a golf club in Lowson Street, Darlington, after accusing a man of threatening his family.

Rod Hunt, defending, said: "It was bizarre behaviour brought on by a mixture of drink and pills, and he is deeply ashamed."

McGann of Brunton Street, Darlington, admitted bodily assault and possessing an offensive weapon on February 21.

Judge Michael Taylor jailed him for 21 months and told him: "It was an unforgivable assault, punching and kicking her."