A KINVER man has avoided jail after being found guilty of assaulting a teenager outside the Vine Inn on New Year’s Day.

Robert Clowes, of The Vine, in Dunsley Road, appeared at Cannock Magistrates’ Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

The 33-year-old was found guilty of both charges and was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for the assault and eight weeks for possessing the weapon – namely a baseball bat, with both convictions being suspended for 12 months.

Clowes must now complete a rehabilitation activity requirement, a community order, and pay costs, including a victim surcharge and compensation.

The incident, which took place outside the pub where Clowes resides, led to a 17-year-old being taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.