A 19-YEAR-OLD Burtonwood man who stamped on a 15-year-old's head 'around six times' during a 'vicious' attack escaped a custody sentence, a court heard.

Connor Sherwood, of Fairclough Street, admitted actual bodily harm at Warrington Crown Court on Thursday.

The court heard how Sherwood squared up to the youngster close to Chapel Lane, in Burtonwood, after believing that he directed an offensive slur to him and his girlfriend.

He then followed the 15-year-old and jumped over a wall before saying 'don't call my girlfriend'.

Prosecution barrister James Coutts told the court that it was at this point Sherwood punched the 15-year-old in the face and stamped on him.

"He stamped on him around six times and then stopped before running off," he added.

"Photos taken by the defendant's mother show a cut to the bridge of the nose, bruising to the shoulder and cut to the stomach.

"He does not feel safe going out and worries that it will happen again.

"He had to have two days off school and his mum has noticed a change in her son's behaviour - it has dented his confidence."

Defence barrister, Julian Taylor, said Sherwood was 'sorry' for his actions.

He added: "He requires some help and if given a chance he his hopeful that he will be able to re-evaluate his life.

"He experiences low self-confidence and depression."

Recorder Patrick Thompson accused the defendant of 'holding a gun to the court's head' for threatening to kill himself if sent to custody and urged him to stop using cannabis.

"This was a vicious and nasty attack on a boy," he said.

"You deserve to go to custody - what is clear from the report is you are somebody who has a dreadful temper and can't control it.

"You suffer from paranoia and should not use cannabis.

"It shows no courage to attack a 15-year-old when you are 19 yourself - ordinarily you would be going to custody for 12 months but I am not sending you there because of your mental health difficulties."

Wearing a grey tracksuit and black shoes, Sherwood spoke only to say 'I understand'.

He was sentenced to 12 months in a young offenders' institution, suspended for two years.

He will also have to undertake a two-year supervision order.

Mr Thompson added: "You have come as close as anybody could come of going to custody - you should feel ashamed, whatever you thought he said or did not say."