A THUG who started an unprovoked attack has been sentenced to more than three years in prison.

Aaron Clare, of Lexington Grove, Reading, admitted to inflicting grievous bodily harm at Reading Crown Court.

The 30-year-old was in Queen Street, Maidenhead, after drinking in a nearby establishment.

He saw the victim, a man in his 30s, was smoking a cigarette on the street.

Clare approached the victim and then punched him in an unprovoked assault, causing serious injury to the victim’s face, which required medical attention.

He then fled the scene, but was later identified by CCTV cameras belonging to local businesses.

Clare was arrested on August 21 and was charged with one count of GBH the following day.

After entering a guilty plea, Clare was sentenced to three years and seven months’ in prison.

Detective constable Chris Jamieson, based at Maidenhead police station, said: “I am grateful to the victim for his bravery, support and being willing to face Clare in a potential trial.

“Given the evidence against him, Clare pleaded guilty, and so the victim did not have to go through the ordeal of a trial.

“I hope that this sentence shows that unprovoked violence of this nature will not be tolerated.”