A MAN, 19, who launched a vicious attack on a young woman in Bournemouth has been jailed.

Meshach Stephens, of Tower Road in Bournemouth, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday.

The court heard Stephens grabbed his victim from behind as she walked along Christchurch Road at around 10.20pm on September 4 last year.

The attack came as the victim, a woman in her 20s, walked past an alleyway near Corpus Christi Church.

She screamed and he threw her to the ground before kicking her twice in the head. She lost consciousness before he kicked her again in the head and the ribs and punched her in the face.

The victim and Stephens are known to each other.

Officers located Stephens and arrested him along Seabourne Road a short time later.

Detective Constable Chris Waters, of Bournemouth CID, said: "The actions of Stephens were truly shocking. I wish to praise the victim for her bravery in supporting the investigation and I would also like to thank the members of public who came to the assistance of the victim during the incident.

"I hope this sentence sends out a strong message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."