A man who attacked a reveller with an axe outside a Croydon bar has been jailed for more than three years.

Joshua Streeks, 22, was due to stand trial for attempted murder today after striking victim Liam O'Brien in the head with the weapon at the doors of Bad Apple, Park Street, in February.

But he instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Croydon Crown Court this morning. 

Streeks, of Morland Road, Addiscombe, also admitted possession of an offensive weapon. He was cleared of the attempted murder charge after prosecutors offered no evidence.

Streeks was arrested at Gatwick Airport the day after the February 6 attack, which miraculously left his victim with only two lacerations to his head. 

Mr O'Brien, in his 20s, is thought to have been waiting outside Bad Apple to speak to staff about his ban from the venue when he was attacked.

He later boasted on Facebook that the axe "felt like a pillow".

The bar's owner, Paul Bossick, said the next day after the attack: "It would seem that the attack was part of an ongoing dispute that had re-ignited due to a meeting in another venue.

"Fortunately for the victim the attack took place at our front door. After the initial blows he was quickly pushed inside the venue by security".

He added: "If the incident had occurred in a quieter spot I fear the outcome would have been much worse."

Streeks was jailed for three years and nine months for causing grievous harm, plus nine months to run concurrently for the possessing an offensive weapon.

He was given an additional six-week prison term, also to run concurrently, for breaching a suspended sentence for driving while disqualified.

Detective Constable Brad Stow, from Croydon police, said: “This sentence reflects the severity of the case. It was a rapid investigation into an extremely violent attack, with the suspect identified through a good working relationship with partner agencies.

"Croydon CID worked extremely hard gathering the evidence to secure a conviction against the man. We are determined to bring all offenders of violent assaults to justice."