A MAN who left a stranger lying against the wall of a town centre pub ‘like a rag doll covered in blood’ will not go to jail.

Warrington Crown Court heard last Monday how Ben Carrodus, from Woolston, carried out the attack outside the Prince of Wales, on Winwick Street, in September.

CCTV footage played in court showed the defendant assault Shaun Donnelly who believed him to be a member of staff sorting out a dispute.

Instead Carrodus, of Fitzwalter Road, launched into a barrage of blows as his victim stood unaware and left him lying on the pavement.

The 32-year-old continued to punch him as he lay on the floor. The attack only stopped when Mr Donnelly’s wife ran out to defend him.

He suffered bruising, two black eyes, and a broken nose that needed an operation.

Prosecuting David Jones said: “He needs further corrective surgery and has blurred vision in his right eye. Difficulty with that has continued.”

Carrodus has previous convictions for threatening behaviour and criminal damage.

He was given an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years by Judge Roger Dutton.

A 12-month supervision order was also passed, while the defendant will do 200 hours unpaid work and pay damages.