A nightclubber who broke a soldier's skull while high on drink and drugs has been jailed for four years.

Karl Gaskin, 30, crashed a baseball bat into the face of Philip Hunter outside Toffs on July 10, Yunis Vallis, prosecuting, told Hull Crown Court.

The attack left Mr Hunter with a fractured skull, dislocated collar bone and shoulder joint and other injuries.

As Gaskin made his getaway, he threatened police with the baseball bat shouting "come on, come on" until, fearing for their safety, they retreated and he escaped.

Jailing him for four years, Judge Michael Mettyear said it was an "extremely violent" attack on Mr Hunter. Gaskin, formerly of James Street Caravan Site, off Lawrence Street, York, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

At Hull Crown Court, Mr Valli said both men were in Toffs late on July 10. Staff expelled a travellers' group and a group of soldiers including Mr Hunter for fighting at about 10.30pm.

As the victim and two others walked off towards Toft Green, Gaskin and five or six other travellers set upon them.

Gaskin's barrister, David Bradshaw, said his client had not been involved in the first fight and had not lain in wait for Mr Hunter, but matters had escalated outside the club.

He was not a man who was persistently before the courts for violence.

On July 10, he had taken alcohol and Ecstasy and was deeply depressed.

He was remorseful for what he had done.

- Two years ago, Gaskin was acquitted of attempting to shoot another traveller on the caravan site.

Updated: 09:46 Saturday, March 01, 2003