Man who king-hit stranger loses Vic appeal

A man who king-hit a stranger in a "sickening", unprovoked street attack in Victoria last year will spend the next six months behind bars after losing his appeal bid.

Ryan Wells, 33, viciously punched a 43-year-old man in the head as he walked along the Nepean Highway at Frankston in July last year, knocking his victim to the ground.

The two men were unknown to each other, but the incident was captured on CCTV footage and widely distributed via social media and television network broadcasts.

The footage was described by Premier Daniel Andrews at the time as "sickening".

A few days after the assault, Wells was released on bail by Frankston Magistrates Court, in a move sparking outrage.

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett described the bail decision as "an affront to all law-abiding citizens".

Wells' appeal was dismissed in the County Court of Victoria on Tuesday by Judge Michael Tinney.

Upon his release from jail, Wells must also serve an 18-month community corrections order.