AN alcoholic who threw a glass bottle at a man’s head has been told to stop drinking – or die.
John Strother had already been thrown out of the Black Bull in Front Street, Boldon, twice when he went back in and launched the bottle at the man.
The victim was left with a 1.5in cut which needed four staples.
Strother, of Everest Grove, Boldon Colliery, was arrested after the Boxing Day attack and pleaded guilty to assault at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on December 28.
The 21-year-old – who was told last year he would die if he kept drinking – was remanded in custody while the probation service prepared a report.
This week he was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with supervision by the probation service and an alcohol treatment requirement.
He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to the victim and an £80 victim surcharge.
Geoffrey Forrester, defending, said Strother immediately accepted responsibility for his actions and has stopped drinking.