A MAN needed hospital treatment for cuts to his head and face after being hit with a traffic cone, Worcester Crown Court heard.

It was an unprovoked attack on Aphie Davies as he walked to his sister's flat in Grasmere Close, Kidderminster, said Michael Aspinall, prosecuting.

His attacker was 18-year-old Luke Boucker, who had followed him with friends from the Bargain Booze store in Stourbridge Road.

Boucker, of Park Street, Kidderminster, who pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, was sent to detention for 15 months.

Mr Davies had seen Boucker pick up the traffic cone in Kidderminster's Horsefair on March 21 last year, shortly before he was attacked, said Mr Aspinall.

He was able to stagger to his sister's home but was bleeding so badly he was taken to hospital.

Boucker had seven convictions for 13 offences, including arson, assault and intimidating witnesses.

His behaviour was the result of alcohol and pressure from his elders, said Gareth Walters, defending. He left school without qualifications but had taken examinations in literacy and numeracy since being in custody.

But Judge John Cavell said he was concerned there was a history of violence throughout previous offending.