A NEW YEAR reveller kicked a youth unconscious in an unprovoked drink-fuelled attack in a city street, York magistrates heard.

David Tucker, prosecuting, said Warren David Wilbraham, 22, struck out with his fists and feet in Burton Stone Lane, York, after drinking 16 pints on December 31.

His 17-year-old victim had no idea why he was punched in the face and knocked to the ground.

After being "kicked senseless" he was off work for four days with his injuries, said Mr Tucker.

The injuries included a gash in the forehead that needed seven stitches and he suffered from headaches afterwards.

Defence solicitor Harry Bayman said the kicks had been to the victim's chest and the only blows to the head had been punches while the youth was still standing.

Wilbraham, of Surtees Street, Clifton, York, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

York magistrates decided the case was too serious for them to deal with and committed him to the crown court for sentence.

Mr Tucker said Wilbraham approached the victim and asked him if his name was "Shaw".

When the youth truthfully denied this, Wilbraham starting hitting him in the face.

Witnesses called police who caught the attacker nearby. He told them he had had 16 pints to drink that day.

Mr Bayman said it was New Year's Eve and Wilbraham did not usually drink that much. He had not used any weapons or butted his victim.

Updated: 12:24 Friday, February 22, 2002