A TEENAGER has been jailed for eight months after he randomly attacked an innocent member of the public – breaking his jaw and cheek bone while he waited for a taxi.

Bradley McLauchlan, 19, of Penn Road, Datchet, gave the man no time to defend himself as he threw a brutal punch in the early hours of February 3.

CCTV of the incident showed the man was defenceless and police put out a public appeal at the time to try and identify McLauchlan.

Although they received numerous calls from the public, officers from Surrey Police only identified the attacker after liaising with colleagues in Thames Valley Police.

McLauchlan was arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm on April 19 and pleaded guilty at Staines Magistrates' Court the next day. He was sentenced to eight months imprisonment at Staines Magistrates' Court on May 17.

The incident had taken place in Clarence Street, Staines, which is why the initial investigation had fallen to Surrey Police, rather than Thames Valley.

Det Con Phil Haffenden from North Surrey CID said: "McLachlan is a violent individual and this was a totally unprovoked attack on the victim who did nothing to instigate the assault. The force of such a punch caused serious injuries resulting in a hospital stay and operation being required. The victim is now on the road to recovery.

"Whether on a night out, at an event or enjoying time with friends, there is no place for violence and it will not be tolerated in Surrey."

For advice on how to protect yourself when out and about, visit www.surrey.police.uk/advice/protect-yourself-and-others/personal-safety/