Sussex bricklayer Mark Scott admitted assault, carrying a noxious substance and GBH with intent at Lewes Crown Court and was jailed for seven years.

The nurse, hit to the floor and stamped on in May 2005, did not lose his sight but can no longer wear contact lenses.

Scott, 37, of Uckfield, also tried to attack a GP but he was wearing glasses.

'Fled scene'

The court heard that Scott, of Uplands Drive, sprayed Peter Stecher in the face with the chemical, punched him to the ground and then stamped on his head and body at Uckfield Community Hospital last May.

Scott fled the scene in a car and drove to his grandmother's home where he arrived with his hands covered in blood, the court was told.

Mr Stecher needed stitches to a neck wound after the attack.

It was claimed Scott was carrying the bottle of ammonia because he had been attacked in his home just days earlier by men wielding baseball bats.

Judge Richard Brown told him that violence against health care staff would not be tolerated by the courts.