Swan Inn

A MAN who smashed a glass on a friend’s head during an argument at a town centre pub has walked free from court after a judge decided not to pass an immediate prison sentence.

Darren Daulat, 28, had met up with work colleague and friend Tony Turner in the Swan Inn in August last year, but Mr Turner got up to leave after Daulat put a cigarette butt in his drink, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Daulat then approached him and smashed a glass on his head, causing a 3cm cut on his forehead which needed six stitches, said Hugh Vass, prosecuting.

Daulat, of St Helen’s Street, Ipswich admitted wounding Mr Turner and was given a 20-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to attend an aggression replacement programme and an alcohol treatment programme and made the subject of a six-month curfew order.

He was also banned from attending licensed premises in the town centre for nine months and was ordered to pay £500 prosecution costs and £500 compensation to Mr Turner.

Nneka Akudolu said Mr Turner had not wanted the matter to come to court, but since the incident he and Daulat were no longer friends.

She said her client had a problem with alcohol and was genuinely sorry for what he had done.