A DRUNKEN thug who punched a woman friend in the face has avoided a jail sentence.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that 30-year-old Dylan Bawn was high on alcohol and drugs when he attacked Kerry McAvoy in the early hours of May 12. Miss McAvoy suffered a cut to her chin which needed stitches and was said to have been left with a scar.

Bawn admitted assaulting Miss McAvoy, causing her actual bodily harm, and was sentenced at the crown court yesterday (Thursday) by Judge Peter Davies.

Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson gave the court details of a flashpoint which occurred after Bawn and Miss McAvoy arrived unannounced at a house in Cleator Moor.

He was said by the householder to be under the influence of drugs and she was also the “worse for wear”.

“He describes how Miss McAvoy appeared to be winding up the defendant by prodding the side of his head, particularly the site of an old head injury, which was irritating and annoying him,” said Mr Rogerson. “In response to this he stood up and punched Miss McAvoy once with force.”

Bawn initially denied the offence when quizzed by police.

The court heard he had 136 offences on his criminal record which included a string of other assaults.

Defence barrister Greg Hoare said Bawn’s troubles stemmed from his inability to tackle long-standing amphetamine affliction.

He had received a number of recent prison sentences, but at some stage needed help to tackle his problems.

A probation officer told the court that a 50-day rehabilitation requirement would allow him to do that. Judge Davies decided to impose that order, along with a 12-month prison sentence which was suspended for two years.

“You are 30 years of age now. It is time to put this silliness behind you,” the judge told Bawn, of Main Street, Frizington.