A PARTY ended in violence when a man sustained serious wrist injuries when he was struck with a bottle, Chester Crown Court heard on Monday.

Adam James Chambers, 18, a building worker, of Fotheringay Court, Ellesmere Port, pleaded guilty to unlawfully wounding Damien McGinniggle, 23, on March 23.

Nicholas Walker, prosecuting, said the incident happened when both men had been drinking heavily and became involved in a violent confrontation in a flat.

Punches were thrown as a struggle developed but Mr McGinniggle suffered serious injuries when a bottle being held by the defendant smashed as it struck his wrist.

Mr Walker said the complainant was at the Countess of Chester hospital for two days and had an operation on his wrist with 27 stitches being inserted in wounds.

Mr Walker said the injured man, who sustained damaged tendons, was off work for three months.

Sion ap Mihangel, defending, said it was a one-off incident triggered by a combination of youth and alcohol.

He added that the bottle was being held by Chambers simply because he had been drinking out of it and it unfortunately smashed on impact with the complainant's wrist.

Mr ap Mihangel produced glowing references from Chambers' employers, who described him as a trustworthy and hard-working.

Judge Stephen Clarke said Chambers had not smashed the bottle before using it as a weapon and had not directed it at the victim's face.

Chambers was given 140 hours community punishment and ordered to pay £750 compensation to Mr McGinniggle.