A lifeguard who launched an unprovoked attack on an off duty policeman has been spared jail so he can follow his dream of joining the army.
Brandon Hodge, aged 19, had been drinking on a night out in Exmouth when he headbutted victim Sean Lomas, who was out celebrating a friend's birthday.
Hodge is a lifeguard at the Sandy Bay holiday park in Exmouth but plans to join the Royal Artillery within the next few months, Exeter Crown Court was told.
His ambition would have been dashed if he had received a jail sentence for his attack last November because it would have barred him automatically from the selection process.
Hodge, of Gibson Close, Exmouth, admitted causing actual bodily harm and was ordered to do 150 hours unpaid community work and pay £1,000 compensation and £310 costs.
He was also curfewed for three months but Recorder Mr Martin Meeke, QC, allowed him not to wear a tag because it would be impossible with his job as a swimming pool life guard.
He told him:"You headbutted a man after being out for a night's drinking. There was no provocation for this attack which resulted in the victim suffering a damaged incisor which required dental treatment.
"However, you are a young man who is prepared to work hard and have ambitions to join the army. I proceed on the basis you should have the chance of putting this offending behind you."
Mr Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said the victim is a special constable who was off duty and at a friend's birthday celebration in Exmouth when he was attacked for no reason.
He said:"Mr Lomas was knocked to the ground and had teeth dislodged and suffered considerable pain and a cut on the inside of his lip."
Mr Peter Seigne, defending, said Hodge has passed the initial tests for the army but his final interview is on hold pending the outcome of this case.
He said Hodge would have problems with wearing a tag because of job as a poolside lifeguard at Sandy Bay Holiday Park.
He said:"He is very concerned about wearing a tag because it would be visible to members of the public and could mean the end of his employment."
