A BRIDGWATER man with a string of convictions for violent offences has been jailed for hitting a friend over the head with a cup and then punching him.

Taunton Crown Court heard on Friday how Nathan Lawson, 26, attacked Matthew Chamberlain during an incident in Bridgwater on October 4 this year.

The court heard Lawson, described as posing a “high risk of serious harm to others”, hit Mr Chamberlain with the cup and then punched him twice, leaving him with cuts and grazes.

No details about the background to the assault were heard at Friday's hearing at Taunton Crown Court, but Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC read out a letter from Mr Chamberlain to the court, describing the impact of the attack.

Mr Chamberlain wrote: “I have been left feeling very distressed and have ongoing nightmares.”

Mr Chamberlain also wrote that he now feels anxious about going out in case something similar happens again.

Lawson pleaded guilty to an offence of ABH at a hearing at Taunton Magistrates' Court on October 6 and has since been on remand in Exeter Prison.

He was due to appear by video link for Friday's sentencing, but the court was told he had refused to co-operate with prison staff and wanted to take no part in the hearing.

Lawson's address was not read out in court, but at the previous magistrates' court hearing it was listed as Taunton Road, Bridgwater.

The judge told the court Lawson was “a young man who causes real concern.”

He added: “He has a substantial record for his age. It includes numerous offences of violence.

“In May 2013 he was given 18 months in prison for an offence of robbery.

“He represents a high risk of serious harm to others. He struck somebody who regarded him as a friend on the head with a cup, and then punched him on two occasions.

“I give him credit for his guilty plea and the sentence is 20 months in prison.”