A THUG who put a man in a coma by stamping on his head has been jailed for 12 years.

Oliver Brimson counted down from ten to victim Jason May, telling him “if you don’t get up, I’m going to kick you in the head”.

Witnesses at Ingram Crescent East in Hove described the “sickening” dull thud noise as the then 17-year-old stomped down with his shoe three times.

Mr May, 38, now requires round-the-clock-care for the rest of his life after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

He was in hospital for a year and has difficulties communicating, swallowing, and controlling his bodily functions. He now feels suicidal.

Brimson, now 19, lied to his social worker about the incident, claiming that Mr May had a knife. He told her: “He will be fine, he won’t die.”

Judge Kenneth Hamer said this revealed an “appalling and despicable attitude” after the “unprovoked” attack in October 2016.

He was convicted unanimously by a jury for causing grievous bodily harm.

Jason May’s stepfather Douglas Bishop described how his stepson is now in residential care and needs to be checked every 30 minutes.

It has left him unable to talk or understand much beyond thumbs up or thumbs down.

He said: “When we heard Jason was in a coma, we feared we would lose him,” adding: “It was a very dark time for us.

“When he woke up, our joy was tempered by the news he had permanent brain damage. He would never be the same.”

Gareth Burrows, prosecuting, said Brimson, of Kingsway in Hove, had acted aggressively and removed his top, shouting abuse.

He stamped on Mr May three times, on one occasion jumping in the air.

Duncan Cooke, defending, described Brimson’s difficulty growing up in care after witnessing domestic violence as a child. He has learning difficulties and alcohol problems.

Mr Cooke said: “Knowing what is right and what is wrong is an undeveloped part of his character."

He asked for Brimson not to be considered a dangerous defendant, as an extended sentence could leave him feeling suicidal.

But the judge said: “Mr May suffered a catastrophic brain injury. You jumped as you kicked him to get more power, using a shod foot as a weapon. You pose a significant risk of serious harm to the public.”

Brimson was sent to a young offenders institution, and must serve at least two thirds of his sentence before he is considered for parole.

Police said they could not release a photograph of him for ‘operational reasons’.