An oil rig worker who carried out a "cowardly and violent" attack on a man outside a Haywards Heath pub has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Paul Skilling, 39, of Pelham Road, Lindfield, admitted kicking his victim Duncan Harris as he lay on the floor.

Lewes Crown Court heard the men had been involved in a confrontation in Mill Road, near the Burrell Arms, in Haywards Heath.

Skilling, who admitted assault, kicked his victim in the head during the attack.

Nadia Rahman, defending, said: "He says that from the first to the last there were approximately six to eight kicks.

"He said he just lost his temper and was not thinking about what he was doing."

She said Skilling worked eight-week shifts as an oilfield services technician in Saudi Arabia and was due back in the Middle East later this month.

Judge Richard Brown ordered that Skilling, who earns about £22,000 a year, should pay £500 compensation to his victim.

Judge Brown said: "This was a very violent offence. Also kicking someone while they are on the ground is a very cowardly act."

Skilling was given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.