An Oxford teenager who punched and stamped on the head of a tramp who later died has had his sentence cut from four years to three by the Court of Appeal.

Stephen Bowers, of Lenthall Road, Rose Hill, was originally sent to a young offenders institution for four years after pleading guilty to robbery and unlawful wounding at Oxford Crown Court on October 4 last year.

A jury also found him guilty of wounding with intent to causing grievous bodily harm.

Bowers, who was 16 at the time of the offence, attacked 40-year-old Philip Johnson on March 17.

Mr Johnson, also known as Cattelama Philos-Delphinium, was homeless and living at a night shelter in Luther Court, Oxford.

He had studied at Eton and London University before embarking on a successful career in the City. Mr Johnson later lost his job following the break-up of his marriage and the on-set of alcoholism.

He died of a brain haemorrhage five days after the assault.

Bowers, whose initial murder charge was later dropped by the prosecution, was told by the judge he had "bullied and robbed someone who deserved the protection of society".

On Saturday, March 17, Mr Johnson and two friends left the night shelter, bought cider and sherry from an off-licence and walked to Hinksey Park, off Abingdon Road, to drink it.

At the same time, Bowers left a party of teenage friends at a nearby home and accompanied three girls to another house.

The prosecution said Bowers approached Mr Johnson, who was standing in a phone box, saying to the girls: "Watch this. Watch what I'm going to do."

He opened the door and kicked Mr Johnson, who began crying.

When Mr Johnson and his friends agreed to give cigarettes to two of the girls but not him, Bowers responded angrily by punching Mr Johnson in the face.

Later, when Mr Johnson's group refused to give Bowers any alcohol as they walked past the house party, he punched Mr Johnson in the face several times, causing him to fall. He then stamped on his face and stole two bottles of cider.

Mr Johnson was arrested for being drunk and disorderly four days later and died in hospital after falling ill while in custody.

The court of appeal decided on Wednesday that Bowers' sentence of four years' custody was too severe on the facts of the case.

Mr Justice Goldring, sitting with Lord Justice Rose and Mr Justice Cresswell, said it was not a sustained attack and was out of character. He said the proper sentence was three years.