A Carlisle man who viciously attacked a teenager has been warned it is almost inevitable that he will go to jail.

Corey Watson, 24, admitted wounding the 17-year-old youth and possessing an offensive weapon in Blackwell Road, Carlisle on February 21 when he appeared before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court.

The court heard that Watson was carrying an extendable baton when he attacked the teenager.

Both offences were said to have been committed on February 21, although no details about them were given during a short hearing in front of Recorder Kevin Grice.

Clare Thomas, defending, conceded that Watson "is aware of the likely outcome in these proceedings". He was said to have "two recent affrays" on his criminal record.

"This is a defendant who has significant mental health problems, and regular contact with a psychiatric nurse," said Miss Thomas.

"In the circumstances the court would be assisted by the preparation of a full pre-sentence report."

However, Miss Thomas added: "There has been a significant improvement recently, which the court may be interested in."

The case was adjourned by Recorder Grice until November 22. Watson, of Marks Avenue, Raffles, Carlisle, is due to learn his fate on that date.

In the meantime he was remanded on conditional bail, and warned not to contact his victim.

And the judge told him: "You must understand that an immediate custodial sentence, probably of some length, is almost inevitable in this case.

"The fact that I am granting you bail shouldn't be taken as any indication that, on November 22, anything other than an immediate custodial sentence will be passed."