A TEENAGER who punched another college student in the face five times after losing his temper has avoided a prison sentence.

Mohammed Abdulbasit and his victim were both 17 at the time of the attack, which has since forced the insecure boy to leave Colchester Institute.

Abdulbasit, now 18, confronted the teen at the Sheepen Road college after staring him down while with a group of five other teens.

He tried to provoke the victim verbally and challenged him to take the matter outside more than once before the victim stood up in an attempt to escape.

Kathy Wilson, prosecuting, said: "The defendant then grabbed the victim's clothing and begun to swing him around. He lost balance and his head struck the computer several times.

"He ended up on the floor with the defendant on top of him, having pinned him down, and he couldn't break free.

"While pinned down, he was punched five times to the face and several people had to pull the defendant off.

"Blood was pouring from his left eye - he felt dazed and confused."

When the victim gave a statement 12 days later, his vision was still impaired and he had to wear glasses temporarily.

Other injuries included a cut to the victim's right ear and jaw pain.

The whole incident, in March, lasted about five minutes.

Ms Wilson also explained Abdulbasit admitted to assault by beating when he voluntarily attended the police station in July.

He told officers of growing animosity between the pair and admitted to losing his temper.

Representing himself, he said: "It didn't need to get as far as it went. I apologise."

Before sentencing, Linda Mackenzie, chairman of the bench, reassured the teenager he would not go to prison, but said she believed there was great harm caused to the victim and high culpability.

Abdulbasit, of Sittang Close, Colchester, received a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He must also compensate the victim £125 plus pay £170 in court costs.