A racist thug who launched a random attack on a stranger in the street during a morning drinking session has been jailed.

Graham Smith, 23, of Acre Lane, Oldham, began hurling abuse at his 53-year-old victim as the man walked along a road in the town.

When the victim confronted Smith about his drunken behaviour – at 11.50am on a Saturday morning last October – Smith punched him in the face.

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The victim fell to the floor and then got up but Smith punched him to the ground again.

Smith made more racist remarks to the man as he lay on the pavement in Shrewsbury Street.

The man was taken to hospital where he was found to have bleed on his brain. Doctors initially described his condition as 'critical' but he has since recovered from his injuries.

Smith admitted racially aggravated assault and was jailed for 18 months at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester.

Detective Sergeant Ian Webb, of Oldham CID, said: "The fact Smith was drunk before midday and prepared to randomly launch tirades of verbal abuse against complete strangers tells you exactly what type of person he is.

"His level of aggression indicates he was clearly looking for a fight and his actions left his victim critically ill as a result.

"While he has made a remarkable recovery the consequences could have been far worse, even fatal.

"There is no place for this type of behaviour on the streets of Oldham and this prison sentence will offer the opportunity for him to reflect on his thuggish and totally unacceptable behaviour."

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