A MAN who carried out an unprovoked bottle attack on a student escaped a prison sentence.

But after the hearing, at Durham Crown Court, 25-year-old Ian Fettes was taken back to prison to complete a six-month sentence, imposed since the attack for perverting the course of justice in an unconnected case.

The court heard Fettes lashed out at a Durham University student, who was making his way with friends through the city centre to a rugby match, in March.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said the victim escaped serious injury, as the bottle failed to break on impact with the side of his face.

Fettes, of Kell Crescent, Sherburn Hill, claimed he had little memory of the incident as he had been drinking for much of the day, at a time when he was on medication.

He admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order, which will include attending a 'citizenship' course and addressing his alcohol problem.

Judge Esmund Faulks also ordered him to pay £250 compensation to the victim, on release from the prison sentence.