A SALES adviser who attacked two young men in Ferndown has been given "one last chance" to change his ways.

Jay Tonks, 20, from West Moors Road, Ferndown, admitted assault by beating and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, on March 28 this year.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how violence had flared after Tonks and his friends had left a public house where he had downed between eight and ten pints of lager.

After exchanging banter with another group Tonks pushed one young man backwards and punched his companion three times in the face, knocking out a tooth.

The victim of the more serious assault was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. He suffered a cut lip and needed £1,500-worth of dental treatment.

Defending, Iain Ross said his client knew his behaviour was "completely unacceptable and out of order.

"He has stopped drinking, staying out late and changed his lifestyle. He wants me to pass his profound apologies to the young men assaulted on that night. He knows he caused them pain and discomfort."

Sentencing Tonks, Recorder Peter Wright told him: "This was an unprovoked and brutal attack on two young men who had done nothing wrong.

"Plainly you lost control and had too much to drink. I have decided, in the interests of the public, that you should have one last chance.

"If you don't take it your life will become steadily more miserable. You are so close to the edge."

Recorder Wright imposed a 100-hour community punishment order and 18-month rehabilitation order, on the condition that Tonks attends an aggression replacement training programme.

He was ordered to pay £1,500 compensation and £250 prosecution costs.

First published: October 19