AN 18-YEAR-OLD handed a suspended prison sentence after attacking a stranger was warned to change his ways or end up behind bars.

Krisztian Paldi, of Old Chapel Close, Kidlington, was given a nine-month jail term, suspended for 18 months, after admitting inflicting grievous bodily harm on Walter Motta.

He was part of a gang of youths, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who attacked Mr Motta in Oxford Castle Quarter, in New Road, on August 2 last year.

Sentencing at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Ian Pringle told Paldi his behaviour was “shocking”.

The judge added: “You have a problem when you drink and that is that you become violent. You would rightly be ashamed of your behaviour.

“At 18, you have got to make a choice where you go in life – you either continue to behave in this appalling way and you will get increasingly longer prison sentences or, as a reasonably intelligent individual, make something of your life by applying yourself properly to your work and leisure life.

“Make something of your life. It’s all ahead of you.”

The court heard Paldi had drunk four double measures of spirits, three or four Jagerbombs and two tequilas before the attack.

Prosecutor James Marsland said Mr Motta was smoking at the top of the castle mound when Paldi asked for a cigarette and an argument began.

He said CCTV captured part of the brawl, which shows Paldi and a youth punch their victim in the face and kick him in the leg.

Mr Marsland said a taxi driver later saw Mr Motta, who was covered in blood, and called emergency services.

The prosecutor said the victim was left with a fractured eye socket, which needed surgery, severe swelling and bruising to the eye and nose, swollen fingers and a chipped tooth.

Defence barrister Gareth James said Paldi had been out with friends and missed the last bus home so decided to wait on the castle mound.

He said qualified chef Paldi was “met with some abuse” when he asked Mr Motta for a cigarette.

Mr James added: “He accepts that he overreacted.”

Paldi was also made subject to a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, where he will take part in restorative justice and a managing alcohol-related aggression course.

He will have to carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge.