A JUDGE has jailed a drunk who kicked a 74-year-old man in the face in Bolton town centre for 19 months.

Victim Dennis Pritchard not only needed stitches, following the Knowsley Street attack by Thomas Major, 21, but was concerned about going out alone now, the town's court was told.

The blow, outside the British Heart Foundation Shop, had caused him to a fall into the shop window, which had a metal shutter.

Hurling abuse at passers-by, Major went on to kick a young woman, in the neck from behind, after she had been challenged, the court heard.

Prosecutor Colin Buckle said that the defendant had also swore at a young child, in what was described as "deeply unpleasant behaviour".

Major was arrested later thay day, after a motorist reported him wandering along Belmont Road.

Before he could be detained he was again abusive, this time paramedics and police officers, the court was told.

Jailing him, Judge Timothy Stead said Mr Pritchard, who lived alone in sheltered accommodation, was "particularly vulnerable".

The judge accepted that Major, who was homeless, had suffered a "troubled upbringing", which often led to aggression when he had been drinking.

Judge Stead also said he agreed with the defendant's assertion, in a letter presented to the court, that he was genuinely remorseful for what he had done.

The defendant had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to offences of assault, common assault, using threatening behaviour and failing to provide a sample for a drugs test.

Martin Pizzey, defending said: "The defendant is aware of the seriousness of this matter. His remorse is genuine.

"This is a matter which will live with him for a significant period of time, if not his entire life.

"He is determined to change his ways and lead a worthwhile life in future."

The court heard that Major had a number of previous convictions for battery and assaulting police officers.