A VULNERABLE man suffered a fractured cheekbone while trying to protect his cousin, Fareham magistates heard.
Colin Reed, 19, who has autism, lost sensation in part of his face, though he has since recovered, the court was told.
Michael Estell, 18, of Elizabeth Road, Wickham, near Fareham, admitted grievous bodily harm. He was ordered to complete a 150-hour community service order and pay Mr Reed, who lives in Hedge End, £150 compensation.
Helen Phillips, prosecuting, said the attack happened when Mr Reed was walking home through Garnier Park, Wickham.
When Mr Reed approached to protect his cousin, who was set upon following verbal abuse, he was punched by Estell.
Graham Parsons, for Estell, said his client was full of remorse.
Bench chairman Beverley Robinson-Grindly said a conviction for GBH would normally be punished by a prison term but Estell was unlikely ever to appear on a charge of violence again and the crime was out of characte
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