A STUDENT in Barnet has been given a fine and community sentence after a prank on a night out landed a man in hospital.

Kamal Khalifa, who lives in Hendon, committed common assault on a cyclist at around 4.15am in October last year.

The victim was riding his bike along the Burroughs in Hendon when he came across five youths walking along the middle of the road.

He tried to avoid the group but Khalifa walked in front of the cyclist while another member of the group jumped on his back.

This caused the victim to fall from his bike and he grazed both his knuckles and was left with a gash above his right eye.

Both suspects ran away towards a nearby public house while two of the group who took no part in the attack stayed to help the injured victim.

The incident was captured on CCTV and the suspects were arrested on scene while the victim, who was extremely shaken, was taken to hospital for a check-up.

The second suspect admitted to his part in the event and was given a caution for his part.

Khalifa was found guilty at Wood Green Crown Court and given a community order of 180 hours unpaid work and £150 compensation with £50 costs.

A police spokesperson said: "While at the time this act may have seemed like a simple prank to the defendant, his actions led to someone being taken to hospital, and it is lucky that there were no broken bones or worse injuries.

"It is a shame that something that started out as a good night was ruined for all through poor judgement and Mr Khalifa will now have this on his record.

"It may be common advice to drink sensibly, but being reckless while under the influence of alcohol can have serious long term consequences for many people and this may affect his university degree and his future career prospects."