Teenager Mark Auty missed being locked up "by a whisker" after beating up an elderly stranger.
Instead, Auty, 19, was put on probation for 18 months and ordered to work 70 hours' community service.
He was told by Judge Daniel Worsely he just escaped custody and was lucky not to be facing a more serious charge.
Auty admitted at Basildon Crown Court to causing actual bodily harm to the victim who was having a quiet evening at home when he heard a commotion outside.
He looked out to find Auty had got in the secure flats and claimed to be looking for a woman resident. An argument developed and Auty was said to have punched the man to the floor and kicked him twice.
The victim suffered swelling to his eyes and other facial injuries. Luckily he did not sustain any permanent harm.
Auty, of Pudsey Hall Lane, Canewdon, said he later felt ashamed about the attack and apologised through his barrister to the victim.
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