A THUG who glassed a man in an unprovoked attack outside a Witton Street bar has avoided an immediate jail sentence.

Thomas Evans, 20, of Walnut Avenue, Weaverham, was arrested following an unprovoked attack outside The Quayside, Northwich, in the early hours of Sunday, May 7.

During the attack the victim, a 20-year-old man from Northwich, was hit in the face with a glass.

On Thursday, June 22, Evans appeared at Chester Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to assault.

Evans was handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.

Judge Patrick Thompson also granted a two-year criminal behaviour order against Evans, which prohibits him from entering Northwich Town centre between 8pm and 6am.

He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work and to pay £1,000 compensation to the victim.

Insp David Snasdell, from Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “Evans behaviour was totally unacceptable and I hope that the order granted against him will provide reassurance to the hundreds of people who visit Northwich Town Centre every weekend.

“We are committed to doing all that we can to make Northwich a safer place for everyone, and we will use all of the powers available to us to help us achieve this.

“I hope that the sentence handed to Evans will act as a warning to other offenders and provide some closure for the victim in the case, thankfully he did not sustain any serious injuries as a result of the incident, although he was left shaken as a result of his ordeal.”

The criminal behaviour order also prevents Evans from acting or inciting others to act in an anti-social manner.

The order against Evans began on June 22. If at any point the order is breached then he risks being recalled to prison.

Anyone who witnesses any breaches of the order should report it to Cheshire Police on 101.