A DRUNKEN army sergeant who slashed a man's neck in a pub while on home leave has been allowed to return to his regiment.

Brian Kenyon, 29, of the 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who has served in the Gulf and is currently stationed in Northern Ireland, left his victim with a four centimetre gash which needed 10 stitches.

He walked free after Burnley Crown Court was told he would lose his career if he went to jail - and the army was 'desperate' to keep him.

Kenyon was accompanied to court by his company commander and a Lieutenant Colonel, both of whom wrote "splendid" testimonials to Judge Edward Slinger.

Sentencing Kenyon to 220 hours community service, the judge said he had earned the trust and confidence of the army and was held in high esteem.

Kenyon had served in 'disturbed' parts of the world and that 'bank of goodwill' had saved him from jail.

Judge Slinger added he was taking an exceptional course and that people who did what he had done almost inevitably went to prison. He went on: "Those who go in public houses and drink so heavily they can't control themselves, or have no recollection of what they do, take the risk of going to prison."

Kenyon, of Blackburn Road, Rising Bridge, admitted unlawful wounding last March. He must also pay £850 in compensation and costs.

Harry Narayan, prosecuting, told the court that a witness to the glassing, at the Rising Bridge Inn, said he believed the victim, Mark Brown, was going to hit Kenyon.

Mr Brown moved towards the defendant, whose right arm came round and smashed a glass on the back of Mr Brown's head.

Kenyon told police he could not remember having had a glass in his hand.

Paul Hague, defending, said Kenyon had no previous convictions, and was of unblemished character.

At the time of the offence Kenyon had been on home leave. He drank enough to be confused and his recollection of what happened was 'fuddled.'

Kenyon, it appeared, lashed out when confronted, without thought to the glass in his hand.

He had served in the army since he was 16 and was highly regarded by officers.

The army was desperate to retain him and it was anticipated he would reach the rank of sergeant major, the highest he could achieve without a commission.

Mr Hague added the court case had been a great worry for Kenyon.

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