A “DEDICATED” family man flipped out at a passer-by following a drinking session, a court heard.

David Wells pleaded guilty to punching and kicking Mark Williamson in an unprovoked attack while out celebrating his son’s 18th birthday.

Mr Williamson was firstly attacked by Wells’ son Lee near Brimar Guest House, in High Street, Totton who accused the victim of looking at him.

Southampton Crown Court heard that when Wells, 41, left a nearby club, he saw his son in an altercation and leapt to his defence.

The court heard that Wells started “punching and kicking him in anger” and that when Mr Williamson fell to the floor he continued to use his knee as a weapon.

Prosecuting, Jane Terry read a victim impact statement by Mr Williamson which said: “Before the assault I worked full-time as a lorry driver but now I am unable to carry out this job.

“I suffer with concussion regularly. My confidence has taken a knock.

“I used to be an independent family man but I was not even able to cook clean or wash myself. It has been difficult.”

The incident left Mr Williamson with bruising, a fracture and an eye socket injury.

Mitigating, Richard Martin told the court Wells was “ashamed of what happened”.

Mr Martin said: “He came out of the club and in his drunken state saw Mr Williamson arguing with his son.

“He is a dedicated family man. His actions are that of someone who lost the plot.”

The court heard that on a scale of one to ten in terms of drunk, Wells considered himself to be an “eight or a nine”.

In sentencing, Judge Peter Henry said Wells must have been “disgustingly drunk” to carry out the attack.

He added: “It was a disgraceful act of violence which caused harm to the victim.”

Wells, of Meadow Close, Totton, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years for his charge of grievous bodily harm. He was ordered to carry out the maximum 300 hours of unpaid work as well as £2,000 compensation to Mr Williamson. A £140 victim surcharge also applied.