A DRUNK man beat up his sister's ex in a bloody attack outside McDonald's because he believed the man had mistreated her.

Daniel Hanley attacked Reece Silk in The Cross in Worcester, claiming the victim had been goading him first. The defendant then ran from police who chased and arrested him.

The 25-year-old admitted assault by beating when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday following the assault at around 5am on August 14 this year, an attack which left the victim needing hospital treatment.

Shafquat Reaz, prosecuting, said the victim had been walking away from McDonald's when the assault took place. "It's there has been an altercation where the defendant has assaulted the individual by punching him three times to the head causing him to fall to the floor. It's here, on the CCTV, the defendant can be seen to be kicking out a number of times.

"Police have been called, an area search has been done and the defendant, after a short foot chase, has been detained and identified as the defendant involved in the actual assault."

The victim had to be taken to A&E at Worcester. However, the prosecutor said the extent of the injuries were not known as the complainant did not make a statement to police.

"The complainant has not been forthcoming and explained if he suffered any lasting injuries from the actual assault" said the prosecutor.

Aggravating features were the use of a shod foot and that the assault took place at night. Hanley had no previous convictions for violence but did have convictions for dishonesty.

Chris Aggrey, for Hanley, asked that his client be given maximum credit for his early guilty plea. He added: "It's out of character for Mr Hanley to act in this manner which is as you have heard inexcusable behaviour."

The solicitor said his client had pleaded guilty on the strength of the CCTV evidence. "He accepts a situation would have arisen given the suffering endured by the defendant's sister in the course of a three year relationship. That does not excuse his actions" said Mr Aggrey.

Hanley of Grindrod Place, Malvern had been out with a friend and had 'consumed alcohol throughout the night' and 'had had a good night' said Mr Aggrey.

Mr Aggrey said Hanley, whom he described as 'an ad hoc labourer', was walking near The Cross when an unknown male he did not recognise at first identified himself as Mr Silk and there was 'a verbal altercation' before the assault.

"He said that Mr Silk, on the night when he bumped into him, was goading him in a sense and that, mixed with the alcohol, made him see red unfortunately. He's deeply remorseful for his actions."

He argued that it was not clear from the CCTV whether or not the kicks had connected.

Magistrates fined him £120, ordered him to pay a contribution to costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £34.