A teenager has been ordered to pay £750 compensation to a youth who he headbutted because he thought he had sent inappropriate texts to his sister.
Keifer Filer left the 17-year-old victim needing extensive dental treatment after knocking him to the ground and punching him in the face.
He attacked Ashley Sander without any warning in Braunton as two groups of youths passed each other in the town, Exeter Crown Court was told.
Filer, aged 19, of Sterry Village, Berrynarbor, admitted causing actual bodily harm and was ordered to do 200 hours unpaid community work, pay £750 compensation, and take part in an anger management programme as part of 12 months supervision.
Recorder Mr Edward Burgess told him he could easily have been jailed for the attack. He told him:"You know this was a nasty and gratuitous assault but you are only 19 and of previously good character.
"In your own mind there was something of a history which you thought might have justified this attack. You now know it was completely unjustified and that you have serious problems with your temper."
Mr Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said Filer was with friends in Braunton at 10 pm on April 11 when they came across another group which included the victim Mr Sander, then aged 17.
He said:"He walked up to him completely without warning or provocation and head butted him, knocking him backwards onto the ground where he leant down and punched him three or four times to the face.
"The injury was quite severe and it seems two teeth were damaged and the victim will need continued dental treatment for some time, if not for life.
"He told police in interview the victim had been texting his sister inappropriately. He conceded the attack had been over the top."
Mr Nigel Wraith, defending, said Filer has a part time job which would enable him to pay compensation by instalments. He said he was remorseful and urged the Judge to follow the recommendations of a probation report which suggested he needed help controlling his temper.
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