A NIGHT-OUT ended in terror for a Bournemouth University student when he was viciously attacked and robbed in the street as he returned to his lodgings.

Bournemouth University student James Hutchins was set upon as he walked along Firs Glen Road in Winton with a friend in the early hours of October 24 last year.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday, Paul Hester recalled how two men had got out of a white Vauxhall Nova and "jumped on" Mr Hutchins.

His frightened companion ran off to summon help.

"Mr Hutchins can recall fists hitting him, falling to the ground and banging his head on the pavement," said Mr Hester.

Lee Curry, 20, of Washington Avenue, Boscombe, admitted robbery.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how Mr Hutchins had been taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and received six stitches to a nose wound. He later discovered that his mobile phone, wallet containing identity and bank cards and provisional driving licence had been taken during his ordeal. Curry was arrested the next day.

In his defence, the court heard that Curry had never been involved in violence before and still maintained he had not kicked Mr Hutchins in the head.

After losing his mother and brother in a house fire, he had turned to drugs.

Sentencing Curry, Judge John Harrow told him: "This is clearly a grave matter, a wicked offence. You have had a dreadful past but are old enough to be responsible for your own actions."

He sent Curry to a Young Offenders' Institution for three and a half years.

Detective Inspector Andy Scriven of Bournemouth CID said: "A sentence of this nature sends out a clear signal to offenders that the court, as well as the police, mean business."