A TEENAGER who left a bouncer needing 12 stitches when he was hit with a metal pole has avoided an immediate jail term.

Daniel Mellor, 18, swung the section of a barrier at the man's face when he was ejected from The Scarborough Flyer pub in St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, on July 5.

York Crown Court heard the teenager reacted when he was thrown to the floor outside after he was asked to leave because of a spilt drink.

Beth Richardson, prosecuting, said: "He said in police interview that he was aware of his surroundings and knew what had happened.

"He had been asked to leave because of a spilt drink and refused to leave because it was an accident.

"He had not intended to cause that much harm."

Mellor, of Churchfield Lane, Kexborough, Barnsley, pleaded guilty to wounding and was sentenced to 15 months jail, suspended for a year.

Ian Mullarkey, defending, said: "This was an item which came to hand at the scene. He wasn't carrying it.

"The defendant accepts full responsibility for what happened and doesn't seem to excuse his behaviour."

Mr Mullarkey said Mellor had experienced a number of personal problems in the weeks leading up to the incident, including the breakdown of his parent's marriage, the death of his grandparents and the break-up of a relationship.

Judge Rodney Jameson QC said: "The injuries were serious but happily not as serious as they could have been had the wound been more central.

"He will have a life-long facial scar as consequence."

Mellor was also sentenced to 200 hours unpaid work, a 15 day rehabilitation programme and ordered to pay £1,000 costs.