A CARLISLE man who attacked a former friend with a beer glass after the man failed to repay a loan has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Martyn Armstrong, 28, marched into the city’s Griffin pub in Court Square, poured beer over his victim, then smashed the glass on to his head and began punching him, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

The defendant, of Newtown Road, Carlisle, admitted unlawful wounding.

During an online Skype hearing at the crown court, prosecutor Charles Brown described how the victim was sitting at a table in the pub at about 6pm on February 14 when Armstrong arrived and found him.

As his former friend sat enjoying a drink, Armstrong walked over to his table.

“He then picked up his pint of beer, poured it over his head and struck [him] over the head with the pint glass before punching him several times,” said Mr Brown.

The victim suffered a head wound so serious that doctors had to close it with four staples but the man did not support the prosecution.

The defendant had no previous convictions. Brendan Burke, for Armstrong, said he was in full-time employment and had positive references. “The Probation Service are satisfied that his remorse is genuine,” said the barrister.

Judge Nicholas Barker told Armstrong that being owed money by his victim in no way justified his act of serious violence. He said: “You walked into the Griffin pub, you picked up a pint glass, poured the beer over his head, and smashed the glass on to his head, causing a wound to the back of his head. You punched him five times before you left and that is a serious act of violence.”The offence deserved immediate custody but certain features of the case allowed him to draw back from that, said Judge Barker.

These included the defendant’s previous good character, his full-time employment, and the victim’s attitude. The judge imposed 15 months jail but suspended it for 24 months. Armstrong must complete 20 rehabilitation days, and 200 hours unpaid work.