TWO men who brutally punched a vulnerable man with learning difficulties have avoided jail.

Geoffrey Hill was the first to lash out with his fists after driving the man to the Clent Hills.

When the victim was later dropped off near his Wordsley home, Joshua Woodall repeatedly struck him in the face.

As a result of the "sustained" attack, the victim suffered two black eyes, a nose injury and cuts and bruising, Lee Egan, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Recorder Colin Goodchild made Woodall and Hill, both from Netherton, look at a photograph of the damage they inflicted on their victim, who had been suffering anxiety attacks and feeling isolated and vulnerable following the attack because the two men had been his friends.

The recorder said it was clear he had been "done over" adding, "That is what you are here for. He was a friend with a disability. This was a very nasty punching incident."

Both Hill, aged 29 of Old Level Way and 20-year-old Woodall, of Worcester Road, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Hill, who had a previous conviction for wounding, was given an eight month jail term, suspended for two years, and was placed on supervision for a year.

He must also carry out 150 hours unpaid work in the community and pay £400 compensation and £200 costs.

Woodall, a man of previous good character, was placed on supervision for 18 months and also told to do 150 hours unpaid work, pay £400 compensation and £200 costs.

Amrisha Parathalingam, defending Hill, said he had over-reacted after a voice recording was sent to his mobile of the victim talking about him in "unsavoury terms."

She said Hill, a father-of-two, accepted he had used unreasonable violence.