A pub doorman's winter coat saved him from serious injury when he was attacked by a former soldier wielding a meat cleaver.

Robert Wilson lunged at bouncer Robert Oxley as he stood outside Idols, in Sunderland, in the early hours of December 17, last year.

But Mr Oxley's heavy coat protected him from the blade.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Wilson, 19, had been "acting like a maniac" and brandishing the deadly weapon at revellers.

Wilson was caught and overpowered outside a police station and arrested.

Defence barrister Jamie Adams told the court how WIlson has a history of depression and retired from the Army due to ill health before being discharged.

Mr Adams said; "He seems to have gone to pieces."

Judge Tim Hewitt sentenced him to 100 hours community punishment and imposed a two-year community rehabilitation order.

Wilson admitted affray, possession of an offensive weapon and assault on Mr Oxley.

Wilson, who now works as a packer, was also ordered to pay £550 costs.