AN ELDERLY man suffered a triple fracture to an eye socket and lost two teeth after being kicked and punched downstairs by his daughter's boyfriend.

Nicholas Pasvantis, 71, who had to be treated at Ealing Hospital following the assault, objected to Anthony "Gary" Thompson, 28, because he was "a criminal" having been released from a six-year prison sentence for a string of robberies on petrol stations and off-licences - prosecutor Philip Farr told Isleworth Crown Court on Friday.

Thompson, of Montague Road, Hanwell, admitted assaulting Mr Pasvantis and causing him actual bodily harm on April 4 and also assaulting a police officer while attempting to resist arrest the same day. A charge of causing Mr Pasvantis grievous bodily harm with intent, was "left on the file".

"The defendant turned up at the Pasvantis' home and started an argument with his girlfriend, Anatolia," said counsel. "Her father then became involved telling Gary to Get out, you are a criminal'.

"The defendant began punching him down the stairs shouting: Fing old man. I'll get my gun and knife and slit your throat.' The assault continued outside with the defendant punching him about 15 times. His nose was dripping blood and two teeth were seen to fall out. Thompson picked up a plank of wood and continued beating Mr Pasvantis."

The old man was eventually taken to hospital where he was found to have a triple fracture of the eye socket bones and was given pain killers.

Police were called and when Pc Andy Wallace approached the defendant a struggle ensued. "There was a struggle for several minutes as the officer tried to get him in a bear hug.

"The defendant was lashing out, one blow connecting with the officer's cheek. He became very violent and kicked the officer. Eventually he was restrained and arrested," said counsel.

Mr Farr said Thompson had been released from prison in September 2004 and was still subject to licence when these offences were committed.

Defending, James Smith said there was "significant strain" in the relationship between Thompson and his partner because her family did not approve of him.

"But this incident was isolated and he is full of remorse towards his partner's father," he said.

Telling him he was lucky the prosecution had accepted his plea to the lesser charge of causing actual bodily harm, Judge Stephen Powles QC jailed him for a total of two years nine months, saying: "You simply lost control and committed a serious assault on an elderly man."