A MAN who attacked a female stranger late at night has been spared jail.

Alex Cogan, 30, of Queens Road, Southend, launched the unprovoked assault in Southend on January 30.

Southend Magistrates’ Court heard the assault was “prolonged” and the victim sustained minor injuries.

The woman was on her own at the time of the attack.

Cogan admitted assault by beating and also admitted later resisting PC Rodway when he tried to arrest him.

Magistrates handed him an eight week prison sentence suspended for 12 months. His guilty pleas were taken into consideration.

He was ordered to pay £400 in compensation to his victim and a victim surcharge penalty was not imposed to ensure the sum is paid.

Cogan was given a 12 month supervision order and will have to attend rehabilitation activity appointments for 40 days.

Magistrates also ordered Cogan to be placed under an eight week curfew with an electronic tag.

He must stay at home each night between 7pm and 7am.

The curfew will end on March 12

Cogan was given no separate penalty for resisting arrest.