A TEENAGER caught on film as he kicked and stamped on an unconscious man's head avoided jail - because he's signed up for GCSEs.

Samuel Banks, 18, assaulted the helpless victim after he had been knocked to the ground in a fight with another man.

CCTV cameras captured the appalling incident as he raised his foot and smashed it into the victim's head in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset in May.

The 18-year-old was handed an 18-week sentence suspended for two years - because he's now taking his GCSEs.

Banks, of Malvern, Worcestershire, pleaded guilty to assault and was also told to complete 40 rehabilitation days, serve a 12-week curfew and pay £200 costs when he appeared in court on Thursday (October 31).

A court heard that the teenager repeatedly attacked the victim, who curled in the fetal position to try and defend himself, until he went limp.

The relentless assault continued even when a friend tried to stop him, only finishing when a passing police car arrived.

Magistrates at North Somerset Courthouse were told that Banks then told officers he couldn't remember the attack - because he had been drunk.

A pre-sentence report said the attacker was at high risk of re-offending but had made progress since the incident - including enrolling for GCSE classes.

He had also received an offer of labour work in Birmingham and expressed remorse at the trial, saying he was a changed person.

Sentencing, chief of the bench, Lisa Lovett said: "You have been very lucky this could have been a whole lot worse, so make sure to take the opportunity that has been given to you."