A MAN has been jailed after kicking a homeless woman in the head while she lay defenceless on the ground in Salisbury city centre.

Aaron Nomicas, 20, of Larkhill, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday (6 March) after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was sentenced to six months in prison.

The court heard that at around 3am on January 17, Nomicas was walking through Market Walk when he violently kicked the victim – a homeless woman in her 50s – in the head as she lay in the walkway.

The victim, who did not know Nomicas, suffered facial injuries which are fortunately not thought to be life-changing.

Following the attack, Nomicas had to be restrained by people he was with after the victim called him a coward.

The incident was reported to police later the same day.

Officers launched an investigation using city centre CCTV, which quickly led to Nomicas being identified and arrested.

Sgt Joshua Bliss, from South CID, said: “This was a highly impactful case – the victim is incredibly vulnerable and had no way of protecting herself, or escaping from, this vicious and unprovoked attack.

“She was sat in Salisbury city centre with her dog, Lance, minding her own business and simply trying to keep warm.

“The suspect was unknown to the victim, and within only two hours of the investigation commencing, CID detectives and Neighbourhood officers identified and located the offender.

“In the victim’s account, she describes the offender as a ‘coward’. This is a sentiment shared by those involved in the investigation who saw the CCTV footage showing the attack.

“This court result should send a clear message – if you are someone who preys on the most vulnerable and defenceless members of our community, we will swiftly track you down and we will bring you to justice.”