A VIOLENT thug jailed for the third time in 18 months will stay in prison until he is no longer a threat to the public.

James Gorman, 24, of Hazel Avenue, Darwen, attacked Don Jaconelli in High Perry Street, after the two accidentally brushed shoulders while walking past each other, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The court was told Gorman punched Mr Jaconelli in the face and kicked him repeatedly while he was on the ground.

He then stamped on Mr Jaconelli, jumping up and down on him as the victim's terrified nine-year-old son looked on and a woman passer-by pleaded with him to stop, the court heard.

After the case, police branded Gorman "very violent" as it was revealed he had previous convictions for wounding, GBH, affray and attacking a shopkeeper.

Gorman, who was said to have a long criminal record for serious violence, was told he would stay in jail until the Parole Board was satisfied he was no longer a risk to the public.

And he will not be assessed for release until he has served two years and 301 days.

Sentencing, Recorder David Knifton told Gorman his reaction to the fact he and Mr Jaconelli had brushed shoulders by accident "beggared belief".

The judge slammed the attack as "ferocious, vicious and sustained" and added Gorman was said to have shown a complete lack of remorse.

Recorder Knifton said: "You have a total disregard for the law and for the sentences which the courts have imposed upon you."

Gorman had been convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a recent trial and had admitted a separate charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Dennis Watson, prosecuting, said a month before the attack, Gorman had beaten up another man leaving him battered and bruised and unconscious.

He was bailed and on May 12 unleashed the violent assault on Mr Jaconelli.

When an ambulance arrived, Mr Jaconelli was losing cerebral spinal fluid from his ear and at hospital was found to have a fractured skull.

Gorman was questioned by police.

In interview he did not admit presence or involvement, but blood on his shoes matched Mr Jaconelli's.

Martin Hackett, defending, said probation officers assessed Gorman as posing a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public.

He said Gorman had alcohol problems which were "the root" of his offending.

After the case, Detective Sergeant Ian Geogarty, of Darwen CID, said: "This man is very violent. He set upon a defenceless man.

"He has a history of violence. His victims are left traumatised by his actions.

"Hopefully now they can move on with their lives."