A LEIGH man who smashed a pint glass in the face of a workmate during his firm's Christmas party was sent to prison for three years.

Steven Law, 24, of Moresley Close, Leigh, had denied intentionally wounding Darren Rushton at the party, held at Wigan Snooker Club last December. By an 11 to one majority, the jury found him guilty.

"It is yet another example of the mindless violence which occurs when people have too much to drink," said Judge Brian Carter passing sentence at Bolton Crown Court.

Alaric Bassano, prosecuting, told how Law had become drunk and aggressive at the party for employees of ITS Dry Linings Ltd of Brinscall, near Chorley.

He said Law had complained to various people about his wage level and Law eventually took his complaints to the firm's owner Mr Ian Shorrock. He squared up to Mr Shorrock as if to attack him.

Mr Bassano said that Mr Rushton, seeing the situation, stepped in to separate the two men. As he did so, Law picked up a pint glass and smashed it into Mr Rushton's face.

The two men fell to the floor and continued fighting with Law biting Mr Rushton's fingers and Mr Rushton biting Mr Law's ear.

Mr Rushton was taken to hospital with deep cuts above the eye. Law struggled free and left the club.

He was later found by police wandering by police in Wigan town centre bleeding from the ear wound. He told the police he could only remember that he had been involved in an argument.

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