A man who carried out a 'sustained and vicious' attack on a good Samaritan who tried to intervene during a row at a village store in Poringland has been jailed for 15 months.

Mark Graver came to the defence of a woman who was involved in an argument with Daniel Maxwell, at the Premier Express store, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Chris Youell, prosecuting, said that Mr Graver did not know either of the people involved but could hear Maxwell raising his voice at the woman who was with a five year-old child, and he had intervened to voice his concern at Maxwell's behaviour.

Mr Youell said that Mr Graver told Maxwell he should not be arguing in front of a child and Maxwell, who had been drinking, explained that the woman's partner owed him £2000, but despite efforts to calm him down he was suddenly attacked by Maxwell as he neared his car outside the store. The incident was caught on CCTV.

It shows Mr Graver being hit to the ground and Maxwell punching him 17 times.

Mr Youell said Mr Graver had been deeply affected by what happened and had to have dental work to his teeth costing more than £200 and also suffered bruising to his head and face.

The court heard that whereas in the past Mr Graver would have acted as a good citizen and intervened in situations like this he would now think twice about doing so again.

Maxwell, 31, of Green Lane, Potter Heigham, admitted unlawfully wounding Mr Graver on September 28 last year.

Jailing him for 15 months Recorder Guy Ayers said: 'Many people simply walk away but he did not. He pointed out to you that you should not be acting as you did and to some extent you agreed with him. Mr Graver tried to get you to calm down, pointing out there was a child present, but you did not.'

Michael Clare, for Maxwell, said: 'It is not something the defendant is proud of. More by luck than judgement the injuries to Mr Graver are not that great.'