A thug, who repeatedly clubbed a defenceless stranger around the head from behind with a bottle of Jack Daniel’s, has been jailed for six years.

Violent Lee Bolt, of Upminster Road North, Rainham, handed himself into Havering Police after detectives appealed for information about the attack, and released a CCTV picture of him, in the Romford Recorder.

Bolt, 44, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent at Basildon Crown Court, on Thursday of last week

The 50-year-old victim and his partner left the Sun pub in London Road, Romford, with Bolt in the early hours of September 16 last year, after befriending earlier that evening.

Bolt visited an off-licence to buy alcohol and they all took a cab together to Collier Row.

During the journey a disagreement broke out that led to the mini cab stopping in White Hart Lane, Collier Row. The victim was then subjected to an “unprovoked violent attack” at the hands of Bolt, police said, who struck him repeatedly over the head with the whisky bottle - still inside its black plastic bag.

Bolt made off from the scene on foot.

The victim was hospitalised and required extensive stitching to his scalp and further treatment at Queen’s Hospital, in Rom Valley Way, Romford.

Witnesses at the trial described the victim as “defenceless” and said Bolt had bottled him when his back was turned and had kicked him in the back of the legs before walking off calmly in the direction of Romford.

Bolt was asked by police how he knew to hand himself in to which he replied, “I knew because I done it.”

He made no further admissions.

Following a four day trial, Bolt attempted to advance a case of self-defence, which was rejected unanimously by a jury.

Det Con Barry Carter, of Havering CID, said: “I am particularly grateful to the witnesses involved in this case. They had the courage to provide evidence, attend court and tell the jury about this horrific attack.”