AN angry Bromsgrove pensioner who glassed a pub customer during an argument over Sky TV has been jailed for six months.

Dennis Richardson, a 71-year-old father-of-five, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court on Friday to wounding 37-year-old Mark Harrison at the Sugarbrook, in Charford Road.

The men were drinking together in a group of friends when a row brewed, said prosecutor Tariq Shakoor.

The dispute was over whether Sky TV would go bust if people stopped paying their subscriptions.

The court heard the pair threw beer over each other before a fight started. The OAP's glass broke but he lashed out, cutting Mr Harrison's nose, cheek, neck and arm.

During the scuffle on March 13 last year, the victim's father hit out with a bar stool and apparently caught his own son with it.

A paramedic called to the scene said that the wound in Mr Harrison's neck was so severe he could put his fist in it. He would be permanently scarred, said Mr Shakoor.

Richardson, of Chaucer Road, fled from the scene on his bike. Questioned by police, the former union official claimed it was an accident after he had been called an idiot.

Defence counsel William Rickarby said Richardson acted recklessly in temper against someone he knew.

He submitted references to the court from the pensioner's former employers and his union.

Mr Rickarby said Richardson had not intended to use the glass as a weapon but had acted in temper and panic.

Judge David Matthews said he was reluctant to send a man of 71 and of previous good character to prison.

But he added it was a serious offence and he could detect no signs of remorse.