A VIOLENT offender who stamped repeatedly on the head and body of a man in York city centre is again wanted by police.

Kyle Illingworth, 22, of Cornlands Road in Acomb, was jailed for four-and-a-half years in 2010 for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

At the time, the court heard how Illingworth, and two others, attacked a man while he was on a night out in King Street, causing him to undergo surgery on his face.

Illingworth was released in September 2012 and is since suspected of being involved in a number of offences including criminal damage, common assault, public order and failing to answer police bail, North Yorkshire Police said.

He is wanted for recall to prison after breaching the terms of his release licence on several occasions.

Since his release, Illingworth has also failed to attend appointments with his supervising officer at the probation service, police said.

Insp Dave Kirby, of York police, said: “Being released from prison on licence means that offenders must behave themselves when they return to the community or they face an immediate return to custody.

“Kyle Illingworth is well aware of this, yet he has been involved in further offences since his release and he must face the consequences.

“I am appealing to the public to keep their eyes peeled and contact the police or Crimestoppers if they see Illingworth or know where he is.”

The victim of the 2010 attack  had been for a night out with his sister and friends when he was attacked by Illingworth and Ryan Cross, then 19, and of Alness Drive, Woodthorpe and Robert Hodson, then 18, and of Parker Avenue, Acomb.

The victim was taken to hospital and needed surgery for a fractured cheek bone. He said he remembered nothing about the attack.

Judge Anthony Kelbrick described the attack as "gratuitous violence".

Hodson and Illingworth were given credit for pleading guilty and were sentenced to four years six months in a young offenders' institute and Cross to five years in a young offenders' institute.

Anyone who can help to locate Illingworth is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.