A TEENAGER who struck a man over the head with a metal bar is facing a prison sentence after refusing to address his alcohol problems.

Magistrates in Kendal had considered giving the 17-year-old male a community order but he was unwilling to fully commit to an alcohol rehabilitation programme.

Lesley Duhig, prosecuting, described how the Kendal youth had hit 20-year-old Jason Harrison over the head with a metal carpet strip at around 10.30pm on July 18.

The incident, which took place at Castle Street in Kendal, arose when the victim refused to give the youth a can of lager.

Mr Harrison was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary and required 10 staples in the back of his head.

Ms Duhig said the youth had consumed 14 bottles and five cans of lager prior to the assault.

Mitigating, Judith Birbeck said her client was very remorseful, adding: “He accepts the whole incident was born out of the consumption of a very large amount of alcohol and he realises there is no excuse. Virtually all his previous offences have been as a result of drinking alcohol.”

In the past, the youth refused to accept he had an alcohol problem, but at court this week he admitted it made him lose his temper, adding: “I just feel like I want to drink and when I am around my mates and they are all drinking it is hard not to. I am trying not to drink as much.”

The case was stood down so probation officers could work out a suitable community punishment for the defendant.

However, his refusal to fully co-operate with an alcohol rehabilitation requirement, lead magistrates to adjourn the case untill August 12, with all sentencing options, including custody, being left open.