A MAN who launched a violent drunken attack in Stevenage asked to be kept in prison on Friday. Peter Woodrough s life was in such turmoil that he was grateful for the opportunity jail gave him of getting his head together, his barrister said at Luton Crow

A MAN who launched a violent drunken attack in Stevenage asked to be kept in prison on Friday.

Peter Woodrough's life was in such turmoil that he was grateful for the opportunity jail gave him of getting his head together, his barrister said at Luton Crown Court.

Andrea Brown told the court: "Since he has been in custody he has had no alcohol and no cannabis. He had made contact with his family and is building bridges. He is grateful for the opportunity to get his head together."

The barrister said the 39-year-old wanted to avoid further offending and take stock of his life, adding: "I am in a strange position. He feels he would be better off with a custodial sentence."

The court heard that Woodrough had argued with Mark Naylor in The Forum in the town. He swore at him and punched him in the face, causing blood to flow from his face and nose.

Prosecutor William McGivern said he then punched Jason Ward and kicked him in the face when he was on the ground. The victim suffered a deep gash to his nose.

Woodrough, of Rundells, Letchworth GC, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing actual bodily harm on October 18.

Judge Geoffrey Breen said: "The level of violence you used was excessive. It was very violent."

He jailed him for two years.