Daniel Macauley, 18, hit the youngster, who he did not know, so hard on Christmas Eve that he knocked out four teeth.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Macauley had been downing vodka before spotting the youngster in Challenor Road, Hartlepool, at 4pm.

He casually put up his hood, strode up to him and struck him in the face.

He told police he did it because the vodka made him feel "chewy".
Macauley, of Arch Court, Hartlepool, was given a two-year community order, 240 hours unpaid work and a four-month curfew yesterday.

He was also ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to his victim.

Recorder Tony Kelbrick told Macauley: "What you did on Christmas Eve was an absolute disgrace.

"For absolutely no reason you lashed out at a 14-year-old boy and caused significant injuries, knocking out four teeth, and he needed eight stitches to the inside of his lip.

"This, I have no doubt, ruined his Christmas."

The court was told that since the incident, Macauley had stopped abusing alcohol and drugs and is hoping to join the Army.

Peter Sabiston, mitigating, said: "This was a completely unprovoked assault in the street on a young man, who did nothing to warrant it.

"But he has stopped drinking and taking cannabis, and has the support of his family."

His grandmother had written a personal note pleading that her grandson be given another chance.

Recorder Kelbrick added: "I could lock you up, and I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. It is down to you now.

"The order I am making will hurt you. If you don't do it, or do it properly, I am confident you will go into custody."