A MAN assaulted a fellow resident at a Newport hostel after spending the day drinking, a court heard.

James McDonnell, of no fixed address, punched David O'Sullivan in the face after becoming embroiled in an argument with a group of residents.

McDonnell, 62, returned to the Solas Hostel on Albert Street Newport around 10.15pm on June 15 last year.

Newport Crown Court heard he had been drinking since 5pm and was carrying a half-empty bottle of whisky.

After being asked to leave by a member of staff, McDonnell went to sit in a car park opposite the hostel.

Mr O'Sullivan, 49, the court heard, went to speak to McDonnell but was punched several times to the face.

He suffered bruising to the right eye and a fractured cheek bone.

Judge Eleri Rees spared McDonnell prison but said: "This was disgraceful behaviour.

"It seems to me what really needs to be addressed is your alcohol consumption. That is getting you into trouble."

McDonnell was given an 18 month community order and ordered to attend a substance misuse programme and alcohol treatment.