A thug who attacked a complete stranger on the street was fined $400 at Magistrates Court yesterday.

Tarik Jani Hill, 20, admitted attacking the man on Church Street on September 14.

Hill, of Devonshire, was walking with two other men when "for some reason" he hit the stranger on top of his helmet, Crown counsel Anthony Blackman told Magistrates' Court.

The man turned to speak to Hill, who extended his hand as if to shake hands with his victim, only to punch him across the chest at the last minute.

A Police officer witnessed the attack and arrested Hill, who has a previous conviction for assault and obstructing Police.

Hill told Acting Senior Magistrate Will Francis: "I want to show a sign of remorse. I was under the influence."