Last updated at 12:23, Saturday, 28 April 2012

A TEENAGER was “lucky to avoid jail” after carrying out two drunken assaults, a court heard.

Daniel Jordan Wharton, of School Street, Barrow, was given a 120-day suspended sentence after pleading guilty at Furness Magistrates’ Court. (26)

The 18-year-old admitted throwing a glass which hit Kelly Marie Rawlinson and throwing a punch at Scott Steele on March 2.

The court heard that Wharton had been drinking all day with his ex-partner and her family and friends when he became abusive.

Mrs Lisa Hine, prosecuting, said the sister of the defendant’s former girlfriend had attempted to calm a row when she was attacked.

She said: “The defendant threw a glass at her which hit her near her left eye.

“She said she was sat on the sofa when it was thrown at her. The victim thought she had glass in her eye and screamed in pain.”

Wharton then left the house, but was followed by Ms Rawlinson’s cousin Scott Steele, who the defendant lashed out at.

Mrs Hine said: “Mr Steele came up to him, and the defendant turned round and hit him with a punch.

“The victim said he didn’t know what had happened but he thought it was a punch.”

Mr Andrew Gibson, in mitigation, said his client accepted responsibility for his actions and had stopped contacting his former partner.

He said: “My client has realised that drinking with her is not a terribly sensible thing to do and he has not seen his ex-partner since this offence occurred.”

Wharton was given a 120-day jail sentence, which was suspended for 18 months, and ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work as part of an 18 month community order.

He will also take part in the Thinking Skills Programme and was ordered to pay court costs of £85 and compensation of £75 and £100 to Mr Steele and Ms Robinson respectively.

Chair of the bench Mr Tony Brierley warned Wharton any breach would see him locked up.

He said: “I am sure I have made it very clear that you are lucky that you have avoided custody today.”

First published at 10:35, Saturday, 28 April 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk