A 58-year-old customer accused of hitting another man with a pint glass in a Dolgellau pub was told by a judge: “He could have been easily blinded.”

Richard Felton, of Ardd Fawr, Dolgellau, received a 12-month prison term, suspended for 18 months, was ordered to complete a rehabilitation order, and was excluded from the town’s pubs for two years.

A two-year restraining order was also made prohibiting contact with victim, Richard Littleton.

Judge Huw Rees told the defendant at Caernarfon Crown Court: “Keep out of pubs and keep out of his way.”

Felton pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm in August.

CCTV footage was shown to the court of the attack in the Torrent Walk pub on Smithfield Street.

Prosecuting counsel Simon Rogers said the blow to the face came by surprise to the victim who had been sitting down.

The defendant was standing and they were seemingly chatting to each other.

Mr Littleton’s chin bled and he was scarred.

Felton, who had no previous convictions, told police after his arrest that he had been very drunk.

Matthew Curtis, defending, said the seriousness of the assault was matched by its “bizarre” nature. “There appears to have been absolutely no reason this came about. It appears a genial conversation is taking place,” the barrister said.

Felton had physical health problems and “some cognitive deficits.” He was unable to work, Mr Curtis added.

Judge Rees told Felton that, during the late summer bank holiday weekend, the pub customers were entitled to enjoy themselves and be guaranteed some safety. Assailants such as Felton should realise the upset they caused to innocent bystanders.

The judge said what occurred had been frightening and Felton was lucky the injury had been limited. “It could have been much more serious. You struck this man with a pint glass,” he said. “This incident simply shouldn’t have happened at all. You were so drunk you had no recollection of what happened.”

Judge Rees took into account that Felton was “moved” by the CCTV footage but said Mr Littleton had a “daily reminder of a disfigurement”.

He added to the defendant: “You are old enough to know this shouldn’t have happened.”

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