A THUG who launched a drunken, unprovoked attack was spared a prison sentence.

Anthony David Grist assaulted Ismael N’Aabi in Brighton.

The victim was a “complete stranger” to him, a court heard.

Mr N’Aabi suffered injuries in the attack.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court 44-year-old Grist admitted assault and resisting arrest by PC Sanchez-Norman.

The assault took place in December 2019. Grist also admitted a separate incident of being drunk and disorderly on another occasion.

Court documents said: “This was an unprovoked and drunken attack on a complete stranger.”

But Grist, of Margaret Street, Brighton, was spared a term behind bars because he has “turned his life around” and is now working.

The court wanted to help Grist sustain his recovery and prevent long term reoffending.

Grist was given a 16-week suspended sentence with 15 rehabilitation sessions.

He was also ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to Mr N’Aabi during the hearing on February 10.