A JUDGE has condemned drunken young men causing chaos on the streets after drunken nights out.

Judge Jeremy Gold QC said he was tired of sending drunken yobs to jail as he sentenced teenager Finlay Roose for beating another young man up outside Patterns nightclub on Brighton seafront.

The judge said: “I am fed up with dealing with young men who have too much to drink on nights out in Brighton. I’m fed up with sending them to prison.

“I am thoroughly fed up with youngsters who have had too much to drink and get involved in petty disputes, then get into fights and cause chaos on the streets of Brighton.”

Roose attacked Sam Emery in a “misguided attempt to defend a girl’s honour” Hove Crown Court was told yesterday as he was sentenced for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Roose, 18, of Valley Drive, Brighton, and two others punched Mr Emery repeatedly, breaking his eye socket and leaving him with five fractures. The attack happened on October 24 last year.

Charles Digby, prosecuting, said: “Mr Emery was attacked and fell to the floor. He was punched repeatedly.

“The attack caused a broken eye socket, five fractures and damage to his teeth.

“Mr Emery managed to get away with the help of two friends.

“He went to the police station and picked Mr Roose out in an ID parade.”

Mr Emery told Hove Crown Court he was still suffering the physical and emotional effects of the attack by a group of strangers.

He said: “I’m reminded of the physical effects every time I look in the mirror. It has knocked my confidence. There has been a mental and emotional impact.

“It has made more nervous around groups of people.

“When going out in the evening I feel on edge.

“I’m always worried about who might want to attack me when I’m out.”

Sarah Thorne, defending Roose, said: “He was obviously only 17 at the time of this offence. Obviously that is no excuse to behave the way he did, but he has a certain level of immaturity.”

Judge Gold agreed to suspend Roose’s six-month sentence because he pleaded guilty at the earliest stage and it was his first offence.

Roose, who lives with his parents, was told he would have to pay his victim £1,000 in compensation at a rate of £100 a month. He will also have to complete 25 days of rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Before allowing Roose to walk free from court the judge said: “If we meet again across a courtroom it is unlikely to finish well for you.”