A DRUNK thug smashed a bottle of vodka over a man’s head, leaving him with a huge scar and in need of surgery, after a suspected drug deal.

Harrison Somerset-Butler, of Westbury Road, Southend, was accused of following the victim to his home in Hockley, before launching the attack which left the victim with seven cuts and in need of stitches.

The 20-year-old was sentenced yesterday at Basildon Crown Court and spared jail, despite his victim being told by experts that he could lose the feeling in part of his face as a result of his injuries.

The judge stated she was giving him “one chance, and one chance early” as he was handed a suspended sentence.

Prosecuting Joe Bird said: “The victim had arranged to meet another man and when they got to the victim’s home he realised the defendant and another man followed them back. The defendant grabbed a bottle of spirits and smashed it over the victim’s head.

“He and the other man then left.

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"Police and the ambulance service were called and an officer was so concerned, he called the ambulance and asked them to hurry up.

"The police then took the victim to hospital themselves.

“The victim suffered a number of lacerations about seven and required stitches and also suffered a split lip. He was referred to a facial surgeon and was told he could have possible lose of sensation at one part of his face and also scaring too.”

Mitigating, Richard Cooper said the use and sale of drugs played a large part in the incident.

He said: “He was a young man finding his way and experimenting with illicit substances and drinking to excess. He’s identified these are an issue and is addressing this.

“It seems there was a cannabis drug dealing going on when the group met. He’s not entrenched in crime and can rehabilitate himself.”

Sentencing Judge Samantha Leigh said: “It’s quite clear there is more to this as there often is. I accept there was some form of drug deal going on otherwise it doesn’t make sense. By picking up the bottle you armed yourself with a weapon. I am going to give you one chance and one chance only.”

He admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and handed a two-year sentence, suspended for two years. He was ordered to complete 60 days of rehabilitation activity requirement, 120 days of alcohol abstinence, 150 hours of unpaid work and also pay £1,000 compensation