A County Durham man has been jailed after he who left his drinking partner unconscious in a brutal unprovoked attack.
The court heard that Michael Kennedy spent a few hours drinking with his drinking partner - who he had met inside a pub in Consett last June.
Shortly before 1am, the pair decided to end their night and make their way home. However, as they walked along Front Street, Kennedy punched the victim causing him to fall to the ground.
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The 61-year-old then continued to kick the victim in the head, fracturing his skull and causing a bleed on the brain.
He then fled the scene, leaving the victim unconscious while passers-by rang an ambulance and stayed with him until paramedics arrived.
Kennedy, from Consett, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Thursday morning and was jailed for four years and nine months.
Durham Constabulary has confirmed that the victim of the brutal attack has now made a full recovery.
Detective Constable Christopher Bentham said after the sentencing: “This was a completely unprovoked attack which could have been catastrophic had the victim not pulled through.
“Kennedy showed no remorse leaving the victim completely alone and unconscious.
“I would like to thank the witnesses who remained at the scene and got the victim the help he needed; their actions may have ultimately saved his life."
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