A MAN who threw a pint glass in a crowded Darwen pub, apparently because of spilled drink, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years' detention.

Ryan Sutcliffe, 20, caused the injury at the third attempt, said a judge, having earlier tried and failed to headbutt and punch the victim.

Carl Aspin was hurt when the glass broke on him inside the Bridgewater pub at Darwen.

Sutcliffe of Cranfield View, Darwen had denied a charge of unlawful wounding, but had been convicted by a jury following trial.

The offence happened nine months ago.

Preston Crown Court heard that Sutcliffe had three previous convictions, including one for grievous bodily harm.

That had involved him coshing someone with a baseball bat, causing a deep forehead gash.

At the sentencing hearing in the latest case, Judge Graham Knowles QC said the victim was a mild mannered and inoffensive young man.

He had bumped into the defendant on a crowded dance floor, resulting in beer being spilled on Sutcliffe.

"You were enraged and you decided you were going to do something about it," the judge told the defendant.

Refusing to be placated, Sutcliffe tried to headbutt him, but Mr Aspin managed to avoid his head.

He then tried to punch him but someone tried to pull the defendant away, with the aim of 'lowering the temperature', but Sutcliffe threw his pint pot overarm, from a few yards away.

Michael Leeming, defending, said it appeared to have been spontaneous violence that occured because drink was spilled.

He said it seemed there was no permanent or lasting injury.

In the past, the defendant had responded to non custodial sentences that were passed, he added.

The judge also told Sutcliffe in passing sentence: "You used your pint pot as a weapon.

"You caused this injury at your third attempt to do him violence.

"You had been undaunted by the efforts to calm you down.”