A teenager who tried to rob a medic who served in Afghanistan has been jailed for eight months.

Simon Watts had been drinking heavily when he targeted the Territorial Army soldier who was making his way home from a black-tie event.

He and a friend came up behind Michael Brandon and his girlfriend before launching the violent attack.

But after the part-time soldier realised his attackers were not armed and stood up to them, they fled empty handed.

Following the incident the victim said the post-traumatic stress disorder he was recovering from after an eight-month tour in the war zone had deteriorated.

Tessa Hingston, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court that Mr Brandon and his girlfriend had been at a 21st birthday party at the Wyvern Theatre on Saturday, February 6.

In the early hours of the following morning they were walking home, hand in hand.

As they went along Groundwell Road they became aware of a noise behind and looked round to see two youths approaching.

Watts said: “Give me your money or I will hurt you,” and in the following moments punched Mr Brandon to the head and grabbed at his neck.

Mr Brandon and his girlfriend backed away, but felt they had to remain facing the attacker, as they tried to flag down a passing car.

Soon after a passing cab stopped and despite already having a fare took the couple home at no charge.

They then contacted the police and went out to identify their attacker, who was arrested.

Miss Hingston said the victim said though he did not feel scared at the time of the attack he no longer walked alone at night.

In March 2009 he had started an eight-month tour in Afghanistan as part of his role in the TA, during which he saw some harrowing incidents.

Watts, of Banwell Avenue, Park North, pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted robbery.

Rob Ross, defending, said his client appeared to have got very drunk and landed himself in trouble.

He said that since the offence Watts had moved away to live in Malvern so he was no longer associating with the same people.

Jailing Watts, Judge Euan Ambrose said: “Street robbery is often seen in these courts as a serious offence.

“It is terrifying for the victims and it spreads fear amongst members of the public who fear that if they walk home at night, as Mr Brandon and his girlfriend did, that they too may be attacked and robbed.”