A 22-year-old man has been jailed for a drunken attack on two former school friends at a party in Droitwich.

Judge Patrick Thomas QC told Nelson Robertson that he would spend eight-and-a-half years in custody less 130 days he has spent on an electronic tag. He will also be on licence for four years after his release.

Robertson, of Nunnery Ave-nue, Droitwich, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Adam Western said Robertson was at a party in October last year with Matthew Powell and Ben Starkie. All three were asked to leave when there was aggression with other partygoers. Mr Starkie tried to calm down Robertson, who had been shouting, but he was slapped in the face.

He was also punched and head-butted.

Mr Powell tried to restrain Robertson but was hit on the head by a bottle, which smashed and caused horrendous scarring to his face.

Robertson pleaded with the pair not to tell the police before fleeing the scene.

Mr Western said Mr Starkie had chipped teeth and mouth injuries. Mr Powell’s scar had affected him badly in his work as an apprentice electronic engineer. His loss of confidence meant he rarely went out.

When Robertson was arrested, he first said that he had been assaulted by his victims and complained about his injuries. He maintained he had been holding a wine glass when he hit Mr Powell. The court was told that Robertson had been convicted of robbery when he was 16.

He had been in court in 2011 for an attack on a pub landlord.

Richard Hull, defending, said that Robertson had been subject to a community order when committing the latest offences. He submitted references and pointed out that a probation report deemed Robertson was of medium risk of causing harm to the public.

He had mental health problems but was taking medication to control his behaviour. He had a partner for the past 18 months and she had been a positive influence.

But the judge said it was a worrying case. He decided that Robertson was dangerous and his mental health problems had contributed to his behaviour at the party.

A two-year jail sentence for causing actual bodily harm is to be served concurrently. As Robertson was taken to the cells, a woman shouted: “You have got it all wrong, judge.”