A SOUTHAMPTON man smashed a window at a mother and baby unit before repeatedly kicking and punching his victim.

Owen Gilfoy could have left his victim with brain damage or even killed him; a judge warned.

CCTV footage played at Southampton Crown Court showed the 21-year-old with flailing arms landing punch after punch.

He then kicked his victim who lay on the floor of the mother and baby unit in Romsey Road, Southampton.

After staggering away the man was taken to hospital having suffered two gashes to his lip with one needing stitches, the court heard.

Prosecution barrister, Rob Bryan told how earlier in the night, Gilfoy had sent a string of abusive and threatening messages to his ex-partner.

He even sent a video of himself trashing his flat and threatened he would do the same to hers.

Mr Bryan told how Gilfoy then went to Romsey Road and began throwing stones at her window - eventually breaking one.

A member of staff - one of his victims - was called and told him to "go away" and to stop throwing stones.

However, Gilfoy went on to kick the front door with such force that it swung open.

Once inside the building, he launched his attack.

When he was arrested and led to a police van he kicked out at an officer.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Gilfoy was charged with criminal damage, assaulting an emergency worker, sending malicious communications and GBH following the events of November 22 last year.

Defending, Ed Warren said his client felt shame and an "enormous level of remorse" for his actions.

He emphasised Gilfoy's immaturity and said the attack was out of character given his lack of previous convictions.

Mr Warren also said how he suffers from ADHD and has anger problems.

During sentencing, Judge Gary Burrell QC said: "A kick to the side of the head can quite easily kill someone. As it was his injuries were not life-threatening, but they were serious."

He took into consideration Gilfoy's mitigation and decided to suspend his sentence warning he was "very close" to going to prison.

He was given a two-year sentence, suspended for two years.

He must complete 30 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work.

Gilfoy will also be the subject of a six-month curfew between 7pm and 7am every day.