A WINFORD man who punched another man in the head three times, forcing him to the ground, has been spared jail.

Jason Lee Williams, 30, of Forest Road, pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The court heard how Williams was drinking with friends on August 11 last year when a fight broke out along Ryde Esplanade.

Ann Smout, prosecuting, said: "The victim had been out drinking with friends on the night of the incident when he stopped to talk to a woman he knew on Ryde Pier.

"As he spoke to her, two males approached him and began to threaten him. One of the males tried to punch him but he moved out the way and began to back up.

"He was then headbutted by another man, while he staggered.

"Mr Williams punched him three times in quick succession and he fell to the ground."

CCTV shown to the court showed the moment Williams struck the man, knocking him to the ground before fleeing.

For Williams, Oscar Vincent said: "Mr Williams and then men in his group got into an argument with the victim, that was when Mr Williams saw that he had a bottle in his hand and decided to act.

"His intention at the time was acting purely in the defence of his friends.

"He has curbed his alcohol consumption and no longer goes out drinking."

The magistrates gave Williams a 20-week sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was also given 15 rehabilitation days and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work, pay a surcharge of £132 and costs of £200.