A YOB who almost killed another teenager when he rammed a broken bottle into his neck and cheek was yesterday locked up for three years.

Daryll Stevens, 17, was told by surgeons that he was lucky to be alive following the brutal attack by Cameron Ross, in Hartlepool, on April 22.

Ross, 18, of Ocean View, Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Teesside Crown Court heard how he has previous convictions for violence, and Judge Peter Armstrong considered locking him up indefinitely.

But the judge said that the stage had not yet been reached where he should be jailed for public protection.

A number of youths had been drinking before an argument started and Ross carried out the attack near a fish and chip shop in Catcote Road, Hartlepool.

Richard Bennett, mitigating, told the court that the teenager could provide little explanation for what happened because of the alcohol.

“There is no excuse for what he did,” Mr Bennett said.

“The best remorse he demonstrates is the fact he pleaded guilty at the very first opportunity.”