A DRUG-TAKING teenager with a history of violence has been jailed for slashing the throat of an older boy in an unprovoked attack.

Ethan Black, aged 16, of Masefield Avenue, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent having left New Year reveller Darren Jones, 17, with life-threatening injuries.

Black was high on cocaine and alcohol when he used a broken bottle to inflict a 10-inch wound on Mr Jones' neck, almost severing his windpipe.

He was saved by pub doorman Eric Atkinson - who has since been seriously injured in a separate incident.

Despite recovering, Mr Jones still bears the scars of the horrific attack in Rylands Street at 12.30am on January 1.

Sentencing Black, who gave a cheery wave to the public gallery as he was taken down, to at least four-and-a-half years, judge David Hale told him: "You are 16 but you already have a very unattractive record.

"It was a horrendous attack on Mr Jones who was doing you no harm.

"Four-and-a-half-years, less 130 days already served, is the first date you will be eligible for parole but do not assume that is the date you will be given it. It could be several years later when that happens."

The court heard that shaven-headed Black had four previous convictions, including one for common assault after he punched a 10-year-old boy to the ground and kicked him because the child had sprayed him with a water gun.

Rowena Goode, defending, said Black was capable of addressing his drug and behavioural problems.

A 15-year-old, who was 14 at the time of the attack and cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted handing the bottle to Black and was sentenced to a 12-month detention and training order for wounding.

Speaking after the sentencing Det Con Chris Jones, said: "I hope these sentences send out a message that incidents like this will not be tolerated by the police and we have a team of committed detectives who will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

"I would like to commend the bravery the victim has shown during this investigation and thank members of the community for their continued support."