A youth was given a community service order for seriously assaulting a man whose wife had complained about noise was disturbing their ten-day-old baby.

Oxford Crown Court was told yesterday that William Tibbert, 18, of High Furlong, Banbury broke David Hope's nose during the assault.

The attack happened outside Mr Hope's home in Deddington, when his wife went outside to ask Tibbert to keep the noise from his car down because their baby son was asleep inside the house.

Gavin Holme, prosecuting, said Mr Hope had followed his wife outside minutes later.

However, as Mr Hope walked towards Tibbert's white Peugeot he was attacked.

Mr Holme said: "Mr Hope fell forwards towards the car, with punches raining down on his head.

"He ended up on the floor and at that stage he was kicked, which led to a broken nose."

Mr Holme said Mr Hope's injuries were so severe they required surgery.

Anthony Moore, defending, said: "This was very much an isolated incident."

Tibbert was found guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Sentencing Tibbert to a 120-hour community punishment order, Judge Gary Flather QC said: "This is a very serious matter indeed."

Judge Flather also ordered Tibbert to pay Mr Hope £1,000 in compensation, at the rate of £80 a month.