A RAWTENSTALL criminal who glassed a "perfectly innocent" member of the public after starting a brawl at a take-away is back behind bars.

Drunken Timothy Butterworth, 20 who started committing crime when he was just 12 left victim Stephen Nuttall needing 12 stitches and off work after the melee last September, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The defendant, who had not long been released from custody, started a fight and hit Mr Nuttall, who defended himself and got the better of Butterworth. The defendant then slung a pint glass at Mr Nuttall from close range, slashing his chin and cutting his face.

Sentencing, Judge Edward Slinger told Butterworth he had seen the dreadful photos of Mr Nuttall's injuries and it was fortunate he was not even more seriously hurt.

The judge said people who had been drinking caused trouble in take-aways far too often, putting the public and workers in danger and fear and those who did so knew only immediate custody could be justified.

Judge Slinger told the defendant, who also left an innocent householder needing stitches after causing trouble at a remote farmhouse four years ago: "You know you are going to have to alter your attitude and lifestyle otherwise you will spend much of your life in custody."

Butterworth, of Maitland Place, Rawtenstall, admitted unlawful wounding. He was sent to detention for 18 months.

Joanna Rodikis, defending, handed the judge a "heartfelt," letter from Butterworth as well as a number of certificates which, she said, all spoke in terms of extreme hope for the future.

Miss Rodikis said Butterworth's record went back to when he was 12. He showed very sincere remorse for getting himself involved and inflicting the injury on Mr Nuttall.

The defendant had a very real problem with drink which made him lose his inhibitions and react in such a way.