A THUG was spared a prison sentence over a violent attack committed when he was a teenager.

Joseph Luke Murton inflicted a grievous attack using a weapon in Hastings.

The 18-year-old appeared in court where it was revealed he had caused the victim a head injury.

The incident happened in June last year.

Crawley Magistrates’ Court Murton admitted wounding without intent.

He was given a six-month suspended prison sentence.

The court noted that he was 17 at the time of the attack and has a “difficult family background”.

Murton, of Blackman Avenue, St Leonards, was ordered to complete 160 hours of unpaid work.

He must also complete 25 rehabilitation sessions, and pay £200 to the victim.

The court also put Murton under a restraining order until next year.