Thetford man jailed after late night attack

A man from Thetford is starting a prison sentence after admitting a late night attack.

Michael Vickers, 26, appeared yesterday at Ipswich Crown Court where he was sentenced to 12 months custody.

The court heard that Vickers, of Ripon Way, Thetford had struck William Ackroyd so hard during the incident in Bury St Edmunds that he suffered a fractured eye socket.

Charles Kellett, prosecuting, said that during the late night attack in April, Mr Ackroyd was also kicked while on the ground by Vickers who had been drinking.

Vickers, who pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, was ordered to pay £750 compensation to Mr Ackroyd as well as £500 prosecution costs.

Appearing for Vickers, Graham Goodwill said the attack had been out of character for his client who had no previous convictions.

Sentencing Vickers, Judge Rupert Overbury warned that drink-fuelled violence would not be tolerated by the courts.