AN alcoholic who threw a glass bottle at a man’s head has been told to stop drinking – or die.
John Strother had already been thrown out of the Black Bull in Front Street, Boldon, twice when he went back in and launched the bottle at the man.
The victim was left with a 1.5in cut which needed hospital treatment and four staples.
Strother, of Everest Grove, Boldon Colliery, was arrested after the attack, on Boxing Day, and pleaded guilty to assault at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on December 28.
The 21-year-old – who was told last year he would die if he kept drinking – was remanded in custody while the probation service prepared a report about him.
He was back before magistrates to be sentenced and was given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months with supervision by the probation service and an alcohol treatment requirement.
He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to the victim and an £80 victim surcharge.
Chairman of the bench Bill Marriott said: “You were very drunk and had already been thrown out of the pub when you went back in.
“People were trying to enjoy themselves and one ended up being hit by a bottle.
“You’ve been told that unless you stop drinking you’re going to die – comply with probation.”
Stan Sudworth, prosecuting, said: “The victim was with friends in the Black Bull.
“The defendant was causing bother and had been thrown out twice but kept coming back in.
“He was heading out again and picked up a glass bottle and threw it towards the group the man was in and it struck him on the back of the head.”
Geoffrey Forrester, defending, said: “He has immediately accepted responsibility.
“He has been in custody since pleading guilty and like a lot of people with drink or drug addictions who go into prison he has changed into a different person.
“He looks healthier and is not drinking. Before he went in, he was told he was in danger of drinking himself to death.”
Twitter: @shieldsgazcrime
Comments