A DRUNK man rowed with his ex-girlfriend in a nightclub before he thrust a bottle at her head, a court heard.

Robert Ashbrook, of Merllyn Avenue, Connah’s Quay, launched a beer bottle at Holly Pearson after a heated exchange on the dance floor of Rosies nightclub in Chester.

Chester Crown Court was told Miss Pearson suffered a one-inch cut near her eye and was treated at the Countess of Chester Hospital following the altercation on April 14.

Ashbrook, 21, pleaded guilty to assault and using threatening and abusive behaviour while under the influence of alcohol.

Judge Elgan Edwards, the Recorder of Chester, sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for two years.

He told Ashbrook: “You could have taken this lady’s eye out. This was a very nasty injury that you caused her.

“I would advise you to cut down on your drinking and control your temper or you will end up in prison.”

The court heard Miss Pearson and Ashbrook – who were now in the process of reconciling – began rowing when he hugged another woman. Friends of Miss Pearson had attempted to stop the argument from boiling over but she slapped him twice.

Ashbrook was gesturing with the bottle during the argument but it slipped from his hands and struck her on the eye.

He was left shocked by what happened and immediately sought to console a heavily bleeding Miss Pearson but security staff at the nightclub in Northgate Street then intervened and Ashbrook was arrested.

Adrian Evans, defending, said: “Mr Ashbrook did not intend to throw the bottle, and was shocked and very emotional afterwards and went to console his ex-girlfriend.

“The defendant accepts that he was angry and to get his point across was gesturing whilst forgetting he had a bottle in his hand. There was some provocation but he behaved in a reckless manner.

“The essence of the attack is that the defendant had the bottle in his hand and thrust it towards Miss Pearson. CCTV shows the defendant tearful, very distraught and clearly regretting what he had done.”

Ashbrook was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work in the community and was given a 12-month supervision order. He must also pay £500 in compensation to Miss Pearson and pay a £60 victim surcharge.