A Newton Abbot man suffered a fractured jaw in an unprovoked attack after a night out in the town.
Adam Dwyer (pictured) was left 'out cold' after the brutal assault.
He spent two days in Torbay Hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries.
Surgeons spent two hours screwing a metal plate into his jaw to hold it together.
The 20-year-old has been told by doctors he will not be able to eat solid food for six weeks.
He was walking along Kingsteignton Road in the early hours of Sunday morning after a night out at the Enigma nightclub with a friend when the incident happened.
He was on his way home to Knowles Hill when he said he walked past a man acting raucously.
The next thing he remembers is waking up on the pavement after being knocked unconscious.
Adam, who also suffered cuts and bruises and is now recovering at home, said: "I can't believe someone would do this to me. There was no need.
"It's weird to think someone will hit someone for no reason. I'm shocked more than angry.
"I've been in a lot of pain and had lots of morphine. Now I'm home I'm on strong painkillers.
"We had a good night as we were celebrating a friend's birthday and with friends who are going back to university.
"All I remember is walking home and seeing a man being lairy. We ignored him and went on our way. Then I remember waking up in the ambulance as I'd been out cold. I just kept spitting out blood.
"I can't recall exactly what happened, but I know my friend Aiden, who I was with, called for an ambulance."
The labourer will now be off work from the Berkeley Leisure Group while he recovers.
He said: "I hope I'm not off too long, but think it may be for a week."
The assault took place close to Gorman Metals between 2.30am and 3.30am.
Police are appealing for witnesses and are seeking a suspect who is described as white, around 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build with brown mousy hair.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police by telephoning 101, quoting crime reference JN/13/918 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org
