A TEENAGER who attacked a fellow customer with a glass during a fracas in a pub was spared jail yesterday.

Gary Skeoch, 18, forgot he had a glass in his hand when he lashed out at Dean Whittacker in the Red Lion, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on February 21.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Mr Whittacker needed 50 stitches to injuries to his mouth.

Glen Gatland, prosecuting, said Mr Whittacker told police he felt Skeoch had been staring at him after he turned up at the bar with a girl.

A scuffle later broke out where Skeoch was knocked back into some music speakers on the stage area, in the back room where a disco was being held.

He told police he then stood up to punch Mr Whittacker but was unaware he still had a glass in his hand.

The prosecution accepts he did not intend to lash out when he was still holding the glass.

Skeoch, of Wansbeck Close, Perkinsville, near Chester-le-Street, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

Judge Beatrice Bolton sentenced him to 150 hours' community punishment.

The judge said the attack had clearly had an effect on the victim but added: "I am quite satisfied you are extremely sorry about that."