A DRUNKEN student punched a stranger in the face in an unprovoked attack in a Southampton park, Winchester Crown Court was told.

Matthew Forester was strolling through Watts Park when he became aware of three people walking towards him.

Carlos Coelho suddenly swung a punch that landed near his left eye, causing him to fall against railings and on to the ground, said prosecutor Edward Phillips.

Coelho, 19, of Hill Lane, Southampton, admitted causing actual bodily harm.

He received a four-month suspended sentence with an order to carry out 200 hours unpaid work and pay Mr Forester £250 compensation.

Coelho had told the police: “I feel terrible. He didn’t deserve that to happen. I am truly sorry.”