A MAN has avoided an immediate jail sentence following a deliberate assault in North Dorset.

Kieran Christopher Riley, aged 33 and of Pigeon Close, Blandford Forum, admitted committing the assault by beating offence on a man in Sturminster Newton on May 26.

Appearing at Poole Magistrates' Court by live link on July 30, Riley was committed to prison for 18 weeks, suspended for 12 months.

The bench noted the assault as being deliberate, with the defendant having a caution for a similar offence on his record and him breaching bail conditions issued by the court.

A restraining order was also made, which will run until the end of July 2022.

Riley was also ordered to pay a £128 surcharge and £85 costs.