A THUG who stamped on a man's head and caused nerve damage has been jailed for eight years.

David Francis, of Highmead Close, Reading, was convicted at Reading Crown Court following a two-day trial.

The 37-year-old was sentenced on the same day (January 4) for one count of grievous bodily harm.

At around midday on November 20 last year, Francis was walking with the victim, a man aged 40, in Broad Street Mall in Reading.

They had a disagreement which resulted in Francis throwing the victim to the ground and then stamping on his head, causing a fractured eye socket and nerve damage.

The victim was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and has since been discharged.

Detective constable Chris Davies, of Local CID at Reading station, said: “This was a vicious assault on an innocent man who was left with significant injuries as a result.

“Thames Valley Police will always investigate reports such as this extremely seriously, and work hard to bring offenders to justice.

“We hope that this sentence reflects the seriousness of these types of crimes.

“I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case for his bravery and courage in assisting us throughout the entire investigation.”