A LAKE District hotel worker who bit and punched a colleague during a vicious off-duty attack has been spared immediate prison.

Ruben Perez, 29, was said to have been "ridiculously and stupidly drunk" when he assaulted James Fabian in Bowness in the early hours of February 28.

Following an earlier incident between the two men, Perez repeatedly punched Mr Fabian to the head in the street. He then bit the hand of his victim, who was gouging his eyes in a bid to fend off the violence.

Perez, of no fixed abode, admitted an actual bodily harm assault, and was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today. He was said to be "deeply disturbed" by his behaviour, and wished to apologise to Mr Fabian.

Perez - who had served two months in custody on remand - had a six-month jail term suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 120 hours' unpaid work and rehabilitation.

Recorder Julie Clemitson told him: "It was a sustained and vicious attack that you perpetrated on him."