Having been cleared of murder Musa Jama was jailed simply for having a knife.
But, having been released from a 21-month term in January 2019, by May 2019 he was dealing drugs in Bristol.
And after he was let go under investigation by police, in October 2019 he thumped a woman and gave her a black eye.
Jama, 25, of Clavell Road in Henbury, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Judge Euan Ambrose jailed him for 27 months.
He told Jama: "These offences are so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified."
Giles Nelson, prosecuting via video link, said plain clothes police followed a suspected drug user in Easton into flats, where Jama then arrived.
When they searched him Jama was found to have two mobile phones and 16 wraps of heroin valued at £160.
Jama told police he had been hiding in Bristol in fear of others.
After being released under investigation by police, a few months later Jama argued with a woman in a central Bristol park and punched her in the eye, Bristol Crown Court heard.
He was arrested nearby, made no comment when interviewed but was picked out from a video identity parade.
James Haskell, defending, said his client had been cleared of murder in Manchester and, after being released from prison for possessing a knife, had come to Bristol.
Mr Haskell said Jama had offended after associating with people who were bad influences, but had broken links with them and stayed out of trouble since.
