Taupo, Feb 24 NZPA - A Taupo man who bashed a jogger in an unprovoked attack just a month after his release from jail was sent back to prison today.

Hohepa Joseph Sullivan, 21, was jailed for 20 months after pleading guilty in Taupo District Court to assault, burglary and breach of release conditions.

The court was told Sullivan, a man with a history of violent offending, bashed the jogger in broad daylight in December as he passed him on a Taupo street.

Gareth Green, 31, a manager with Taupo District Council, had no time to react to the random attack.

He was knocked to the pavement, suffering a broken eye socket and deep bruising.

Judge Tony Zohrab described the attack as "nasty" and said Sullivan's gross intoxication at the time was no defence.

Sullivan was ordered to pay burglary reparation of $2460, a quarter of the amount sought.

The judge noted Sullivan had not had an easy time of it but said that others from similar circumstances had not made a choice to indulge in criminal behaviour.

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