A HEROIN addict who attacked a man then kicked and stamped on the unconscious victim has been jailed for two years.

Richard Ian Nicholson, 40, was seen on CCTV head-butting, punching, kicking and stamping on Lance Thiim, and continued to kick and punch him as he lay unresponsive on the ground, York Crown Court heard.

A judge said it was “amazing” the victim had survived.

CCTV showed Nicholson and Mr Thiim walking down a staircase at a block of flats in Victor Street in Bishophill at about 8pm on July 27, with another man, who tried to break up the attack as it started in the stairwell, said Nicholas Rooke, prosecuting.

Nicholson repeatedly punched and tried to kick Mr Thiim over the bannister of the stairwell, then the attack continued into the street, where Mr Thiim was knocked to the ground, where he suffered eight more punches and several kicks to the head, said Mr Rooke.

Mr Thiim became “limp” and Nicholson stamped on the victim’s neck before walking away.

Recorder Gurdial Singh said he believed it was “amazing” Mr Thiim was still alive, it was “unbelievable”

there was no serious injury, and the attack featured “the most gratuitous violence one can imagine”. He said: “This offence is a depiction of mindless, senseless violence that is sickening; there is no other word for it.

“This was an incredibly sustained assault and you used your feet and head as weapons and it is quite clear you were endeavouring to cause as much harm as you possibly could.”

Nicholson, of no fixed address but formerly of Tang Hall, interrupted Recorder Singh and claimed he had been threatened by Mr Thiim prior to the attack, but the judge said: “There is no excuse for what took place outside, but I am duty bound to give you full credit because you pleaded guilty.”

Nicholson was sentenced to two years in prison, with a £100 victim surcharge. Taryn Turner, for Nicholson, said he had been drinking before the attack, and was genuinely remorseful for his actions.

Mrs Turner said Nicholson had also become addicted to heroin and methadone in recent months, and hoped to spend his time in prison tackling his addiction.