ANDREW Murphy (22), of High Street, Crediton, was sent to prison for a year at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday, April 8, after he launched an unprovoked attack on another man in Crediton High Street, which left his victim with a broken jaw.
Philip Rogers (30) was passing Murphy, who had been arguing with his girlfriend, Donna Kingdom moments before, when Murphy lashed out at him, the court was told.
Judge Jeremy Griggs reminded Murphy this was not his first offence of violence.
"I would be failing in my public duty", he said, "if I did not impose an immediate custodial sentence because violence when accompanied by drink on the streets of our land will not be tolerated."
Murphy had been convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm in a trial earlier this year, having denied the offence.
The court heard that the attack on Mr Rogers occurred in August last year.
Mr Rogers had told the jury how Murphy hit him twice, how he had fallen to the ground and then felt himself being kicked with his eyes were closed.
The court heard that Murphy had moved to Devon from Yorkshire to start a new life, following convictions including assaulting a police officer and theft.
Judge Griggs said that the time already spent in custody, or serving a curfew while on bail, would be taken into account.
A suspended sentence for theft, which Murphy had breached by committing this offence, would be served concurrently.