A man who left a 21- year-old fighting for his life after punching him on the back of the head has been jailed for nine months.

Ryan Geall was put into a medically induced coma after unemployed Nathan Mhuto, 24, left him with a bleed on his brain.

It happened during a fight between two groups of friends outside Lola Lo’s nightclub in East Street, Brighton, at 3.30am on December 28 last year.

Police yesterday said his sentence reflected the “seriousness” of the assault and would allow the Lancing man to move on with his life.

Detective Constable Sophie Tullett, who led the case, said: “This was a thorough investigation and thankfully Ryan has made a full recovery – amazing after it was thought he might not survive.

“We worked hard to bring Mhuto to justice for his part in Ryan’s injuries.

A custodial sentence reflects the seriousness of the assault and Ryan can now begin to move on with his life.”

Mr Geall had been out with a group of friends when a fight broke out with Mhuto’s group. Punches were thrown with Mhuto catching Mr Geall.

The victim walked away from the scene only to collapse on the seafront just minutes later.

Paramedics rushed him to Brighton’s Royal Sussex County Hospital before he was transferred to Hurstwood Park Hospital in Haywards Heath.

With a bleed on his brain, doctors induced him into a coma fearing he would die. However, he has since made a full recovery.

Mhuto was charged with causing grievous bodily harm but when his trial started in September he pleaded guilty to affray and common assault.

The court heard CCTV footage showed some of the fight with Mhuto punching Mr Geall. However, it was decided it was unclear whether he caused the full extent of the victim’s injury.

Mhuto, 24, of Outram Road, Bognor, was sentenced to nine months for the affray and three months for common assault, to run concurrent.

DC Tullett said: “Ryan has been through so much and is still having physiotherapy to build up his strength.

“We are pleased Mhuto has been jailed and justice has been served for Ryan and his family.”