A THUG has been jailed for viciously attacking a man in Friar Street, Reading, on New Year's Day.

Izmir Shehi, of Crockenhamwell Road, Woodley, has been sent down after being found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict on Friday, July 16.

Reading Crown Court heard how the 21 year old attacked a 27 year old man in the early hours of New Year's Day this year.

Police said he approached his victim from behind and punched him to the back of the head which caused the victim to fall over.

Shehi went on to kick and stamp on the victim's head while he lay unconscious in Friar Street.

Other members of the group pulled the attacker away, but he attempted to return to further assault the still unconscious victim.

Izmir Shehi, of Crockenhamwell Road, was found guilty of one count of attempting to cause GBH

Izmir Shehi, of Crockenhamwell Road, was found guilty of one count of attempting to cause GBH

The victim suffered long-term bruising and swelling and required hospital treatment.

Investigating officer PC Alexandra Alewood of the Reading Problem Solving Team, said: “This was a violent assault on a man that was completely unprovoked.

“The victim suffered extensive bruising and was knocked unconscious as a result of this attack, and it is only a matter of fortune that he was not far more seriously injured.

“I am pleased that the jury convicted Shehi of this offence, and he will now have to serve a custodial sentence as a result.

“We will not tolerate such violent behaviour in our communities and we will always investigated thoroughly and put offenders before the courts.

“I would like to thank the victim for his support throughout our investigation, and I hope that the fact Shehi will now go to prison will serve as some solace to him.”

Shehi was arrested on January 14 and charged the following day. He will now serve four years in prison after being found guilty at trial for one count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.