A POLICEMAN'S son who attacked a man in the street with a beer glass has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Ian Nixon was drunk when he got into a row with a group playing football on Castle Green, Hereford.

Told to calm down, the 21-year-old lost his temper and struck Gregory Coleman on the side of the face with the pint glass, Worcester Crown Court was told.

The glass shattered and Nixon was then seen by witnesses "slashing and stabbing" Mr Coleman who tried to defend himself with his arms, said Nicolas Cartwright, prosecuting.

The victim needed hospital treatment for a gaping arm wound, a cut earlobe and a lacerated elbow.

Nixon, of Belmont Avenue, Hereford, deeply regretted his behaviour which had caused his policeman father embarrassment, said defence counsel Nick Howell-Jones.

Judge Michael Mott jailed Nixon for two years and added a further six months for breaching a probation order imposed for drug offences.

The defendant, who admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, lost control on Tuesday, September 25, and started "having a go" while under the influence of alcohol, said Mr Cartwright.

Nixon was arrested a month later and told police he was hit on the head with a bottle before he used the glass.

He claimed he made a complaint to police the same night but they would not accept his explanation because he was so drunk.

Four months earlier, Nixon had been given probation for possession of ecstasy with intent to supply.

Mr Howell-Jones said he led a chaotic lifestyle, had contemplated suicide and suffered from alcohol abuse. Jail would increase the risk of self-harm.

He insisted the complainant struck the first blow but said Nixon was shocked by his violent reaction.

Judge Mott said the victim must have felt threatened and had not struck Nixon gratuitously.

He warned the defendant that if he was convicted of another wounding offence he faced an automatic life sentence.