'Dangerous' attacker stamped on man's head
number of times, effectively to prevent her coming to her partner's aid."
The court heard the male victim was left with a broken nose, significant bruising and concussion. He said his anxiety about what happened was added to when he found out about Watson's long and violent criminal record. The woman was left bruised.
Watson, of South Durham Street, Sunderland, who has convictions for 104 offences which include serious violence,pleadedguiltytoassault andattemptingtocausegrievous bodily harm with intent.
Judge Tim Gittins sentenced him to five years behind bars, with an extended licence period of three years.
The judge told Watson, who has been assessed as "dangerous" before: "I am satisfied, at the moment, you remain a dangerous offender.
"You lost complete self control, lost your temper, and having knocked him to the ground, kicked and stamped on him repeatedly, including that two-footed stamp on his head.
"When his partner tried to intervene you prevented her from coming to his aid and repeatedly punched her as well.
"Allofthosearebadenough but the fact is, I hope you appreciate,hewasfortunateyou didnotfracturehisskullorindeed kill him.
"His partner was left with swelling and bruising to her face and body as well.
"You used a shod foot as a weapon,indeedbothfeet.You clearlyintendedtocausemore serious injury"
TonyCornberg,defending, said Watson was the victim to two violent street attacks afterhislastreleasefromhislast prison sentence and feared a "thirdincident"atthepubthat night.
Mr Cornberg said Watson has worked hard while in custody on remand and made "significant progress"to address deep rooted problems, including alcohol abuse, that he has had since childhood and plans to make a "fresh start" away from Sunderland when he is released.