AN UNEMPLOYED Christchurch man who attacked a Good Samaritan after he went to the aid of a woman in distress has escaped a prison sentence.

Matthew Cummings, 25, of Blackwater, Hurn, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, on April 11 last year.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Jo Morrissey said Cummings' victim had been watching television when he heard a noise outside his home.

"When he went to investigate he found a girl of about 18 crawling around in his driveway.

"She was frightened and he spoke to her friends on the phone, arranging for them to come and get her."

The court heard how Cummings had shouted abuse at the girl before pushing her and forcing her to fall backwards.

When the Good Samaritan intervened, Cummings punched and hit him. "He fell to the floor and his partner phoned for the police."

Miss Morrissey added that Cummings' victim had been shaken and needed tranquillisers.

During interview Cummings said he had been drinking and taking drugs, insisting he couldn't remember anything about the incident. Defending, Richard Ferry-Swainson described the case as "slightly unusual" and said his client had suffered a head injury in a road crash in January 2004.

"His brain injury created several significant problems including difficulties in controlling his emotional response.

"He doesn't remember this incident at all but has seen the CCTV footage and accepts full responsibility.

"He is appalled and ashamed."

Mr Ferry-Swainson stressed that Cummings was receiving therapy and treatment.

Judge Roger Jarvis told Cummings: "Your behaviour was disgraceful.

"All your victim was trying to do was act as a Good Samaritan and help a woman in distress.

"There are some very special circumstances - you were the victim of a serious road accident.

"But this is very much your last chance - if you were not receiving treatment you would go into custody, without a shadow of a doubt."

Judge Jarvis imposed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 15 months, and made Cummings the subject of a 12-month community supervision order.

Cummings was told to pay his victim £280 compensation and fund £200 prosecution costs.