A Capel Bangor man has been jailed after attacking a homeless person in an unprovoked assault, knocking him unconscious.

Dylan Tapp, 22, of 1 Ty’n Llan, had only just been released from prison when he attacked his victim on Terrace Road in Aberystwyth in the early hours of Wednesday, 10 June.

Appearing before Swansea Crown Court, Tapp was handed a seven-and-a-half-year extended sentence comprising four and a half years in custody followed by a three-year licence period.

Judge Paul Thomas KC said that Tapp could have killed his latest victim and made him subject to an extended sentence as a dangerous offender, adding his prime concern was the protection of the public.

The court heard how Tapp and another male had set upon the complainant outside the WH Smith shop on Terrace Road.

Tapp repeatedly punched the victim in the head, knocking him to the floor, where Tapp kicked him repeatedly in the head.

Tapp then pulled the man to his feet and punched him again, this time knocking him unconscious.

The court heard that Tapp was out on licence when the attack occurred after being sentenced to 40 months in prison for another assault where he bit his victim on the face.

After his arrest he was recalled to prison.

Tapp’s defence said he had problems with alcohol and ketamine misuse.

Paul Thomas KC noted Tapp had now amassed four convictions for violence at the age of 22, adding: "You have got an awful lot of growing up to do. Whether you do that at liberty or in a prison is a matter for you."

The judge added that he was satisfied Tapp should be classed as a dangerous offender and that the new sentence would not be consecutive to his other custodial sentence.