A teenager who hit another boy in the face with a beer bottle has been spared an immediate jail sentence.

Daniel Bell, 18, was drunk when he used the bottle as a weapon in a "moment of madness".

His victim needed stitches to cuts on his face and forehead after the attack near Horsham railway station on September 9 last year.

At Lewes Crown Court, Judge Simon Coltart told Bell the offence was so serious it merited an immediate prison sentence, but he was giving him a chance to stay out of jail because he believed the teenager had acted out of character.

The judge said: "I am only passing this sentence on the basis that I think this was a one-off incident, something out of character which you will never repeat. Don't prove me wrong."

Bell, of Arunside, Horsham, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 12 months custody suspended for two years.

Bell will be under the supervision of the probation service for two years and must attend an aggression replacement training programme.

The window fitter was also ordered to pay £750 compensation to his victim, Damien Longhurst, for his injuries.

The court heard there was a history of trouble between the two teenagers over a girl.

On the night of the attack Mr Longhurst was walking near the town's railway station when he heard someone call out his name. As he turned round Bell hit him in the face with the bottle before running away.

Rachel Beckett, prosecuting, said Mr Longhurst was left in pain with blood running down his face. A friend called police but only one officer arrived and he tried to help Mr Longhurst, who was lapsing into unconsciousness, while they waited for an ambulance.

Ms Beckett said after waiting an hour, and ringing four times, the officer was informed an ambulance could not be sent and the police took the injured teenager to hospital where he needed stitches to his wounds.

When Bell was arrested later he told officers there had been a dispute between him and his victim over an ex-girlfriend.

Serena Palastrand, defending, said Bell had acted in a "moment of madness" and felt remorse and regret.

She said up until the attack, Bell had been abusing cannabis and alcohol. He had drunk seven cans of lager shortly before he assaulted Mr Longhurst.

Since the offence Bell had changed his life, she said, and now had a new job and a new girlfriend.

Ms Palastrand said the offence was out of character and a momentary loss of control.

She said: "He has been punishing himself for this. He says he will never act in this way again."