A FORMER soldier who went on to work for a security company in Iraq has been jailed for a drunken street assault. Warren Bradford was on bail for the assault in Stevenage in 2004 when he went off to Iraq to work. He was arrested and tried when he returned

A FORMER soldier who went on to work for a security company in Iraq has been jailed for a drunken street assault.

Warren Bradford was on bail for the assault in Stevenage in 2004 when he went off to Iraq to work. He was arrested and tried when he returned.

Last month a jury at Luton Crown Court found him guilty of causing Mark Crane grievous bodily harm with intent. He was jailed for three-and-a-half years on Friday.

Bradford, 29, from Arlesey Road, Stotfold, had pleaded not guilty.

Judge Michael Kay QC said Bradford was out on August 21, 2004 with other soldiers and was drunk. They were about to get a taxi back to their barracks in London from Stevenage Leisure Park when he went into an alley to urinate.

But another group, including some girls, walked by and one made a remark about it being offensive.

"You and another soldier took umbrage at that and reacted extremely aggressively," said the judge. "You were older, stronger and better trained than your victim and you launched a vicious attack on him."

He said he punched him and kicked him at least once while he was on the ground. He caused serious injuries and Mr Crane needed metal plates in his face which will be permanent.

"I have read that you have served your country well and in some very dangerous situations," said Judge Kay.

"Some have the view that when a soldier who has put his life on the line comes before a court he deserves considerable credit, but the other view is that they have been trained at public expense for a particular purpose and not to use those skills when drunk to beat up members of the public.

"It is becoming depressingly familiar to hear about soldiers out of barracks, drinking and fighting."

Molly Pinkus, defending, said Bradford joined the Army in 1997 and served all over the world in dangerous situations. When he was charged with this offence his possible promotion was put on hold for two years and he decided to leave.

He went to work for a security firm in Irag giving protection to clients, moving them around the country.

"On his release from prison he would like to re-enlist because it was a career he was good at," said Ms Pinkus.

She said that in custody he had undertaken 25 educational courses and was an enhanced status prisoner. "He is very unlikely to re offend," she added.