A SECURITY film showing a horrific attack on an off duty soldier was played during a hearing at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

The footage of the assault by Darlington teenager Damon Appleton revealed how the 17-year-old had smashed a cue over the young soldier during a game of pool in the town's Wheeltappers pub on May 25 this year.

Appleton, of Thirlmere Road, Darlington, admitted unlawful wounding when he appeared before Recorder Timothy Stead.

A second defendant, Robert Thompson, also 17, of Harringay Crescent, Darlington, pleaded guilty to an affray following the same incident.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, told the court how on May 25 the two defendants and the victim of the attack had been playing pool in the town centre pub.

There had, he said, been no animosity between the three when the soldier had gone to the table to take a shot.

At the same time Appleton had taken the cue from Thompson and wielding the thick end of the stick had struck the soldier on the face.

While the injured man lay on the floor the court heard how Thompson had then dropped a pint glass on top of the victim which broke when it struck him on the shoulder.

The injured man was taken to hospital where he was given treatment for lacerations to his nose and left eye and though he has made a good recovery from the injuries may still need plastic surgery to his eye, the court was told

Appleton and Thompson had then left the pub but were later arrested and charged.

The incident was captured on closed-circuit television and was played to the court.

Defending Appleton, Mr David Lamb said that while the camera couldn't lie and it had been an horrific attack it was, he said, largely a result of a day of drinking alcohol.

Appearing on behalf of Thompson, Dan Cordey said his client claimed the pint glass had been knocked out of his hand.

Sentencing Appleton, who had previous convictions, to 18 months detention and training, Recorder Stead said it had been a particularly cowardly and unprovoked attack.

Thompson, who also had previous convictions was given 80-hours community punishment and two years rehabilitation.