A LAKE District man who smashed a coffee mug in a student’s face has been spared prison.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how 21-year-old Ellis Andrew Stephens left victim Jimmy O’Neil needing 18 stitches to facial wounds, and permanently scarred.
Stephens picked up a coffee mug, at an Ambleside student house party, on March 8, and hit Mr O’Neil, then 20, so hard that it smashed in his face. The victim – then a University of Cumbria student – needed hospital treatment for wounds to his cheek, eye and and eyebrow. He had since moved out of the area.
Hotel kitchen porter Stephens, who admitted wounding, was said to have “over-reacted” having perceived he was “under threat” as the two men argued and Mr O’Neil became “angry”.
Stephens, of High Greenbank, Ambleside, was said by his barrister to have “learned a valuable” lesson.
Recorder Kevin Grice suspended an 18-month jail for two years after considering background information, including a psychological report, and supportive references. He ordered Stephens to complete 200 hours’ unpaid work and pay Mr O’Neil £750 compensation.
