A MAN who attacked a former assailant in a nightclub has been ordered to compensate his victim.

Worcester Crown Court heard that Justin Wright was knocked to the floor and punched by Justin Stokes in The Watermill pub in Kidderminster last April.

He did not report the assault to the police and, when the pair met up again three days later in the town's Mirage nightclub, Wright attacked Mr Stokes.

He punched him with his left fist and then hit him with his right, which was holding a pint beer glass. The glass shattered and cut Mr Stokes on the face and neck. Both men were cut on the hand by the broken glass.

Wright, aged 21, of Addenbrooke Crescent, Kidderminster, who admitted unlawful wounding, was ordered to pay Mr Stokes £250, with £250 court costs, and carry out 200 hours community work.

Recorder Douglas Readings said it was an unpleasant attack in licensed premises and one which could have led to serious disorder. He accepted that the glass was not broken before Wright struck out.

"The attack was on the spur of the moment and an improper idea of getting even," he added.

Nicolas Cartwright, prosecuting, said Wright and 24-year-old Mr Stokes were acquaintances. The first attack had not been reported to police.

After the nightclub incident, both men were ejected and Mr Stokes had to be restrained from attacking Wright.

Wright was frank with police, admitting he lost his temper because of the incident three days before.

Alan Parker, defending, said it was an uncharacteristic error of judgement, which Wright regretted. It was not a premeditated attack. Wright had no previous convictions and had not armed himself with a glass.

He was hard-working and had held the same job since he left school five years ago.