DEFENDANT Abdullah Hossein, who was convicted of assaulting a fellow Staffordshire University student, has been spared jail.

The 22-year-old, of Berrisford Street, Shelton, denied assault causing actual bodily harm, but was convicted at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court last month.

Hossein left victim Hari Viswam needing three stitches for a cut on his lip.

The attack came as the men walked home separately from Staffordshire University's student bar LRV on October 1.

Mr Viswam and a friend were walking along Boughey Road when Hossein and his group approached.

As Mr Viswam walked past, Hossein grabbed and pinched Mr Viswam's stomach.

Hossein punched him to the mouth, causing a cut to the inside of his lower lip.

The court heard Mr Viswam now has concerns about going to university and the ordeal has affected his dissertation.

Robin Lichfield, defending, said Hossein has a drink problem.

Judge Paul Glenn sentenced Hossein to a 12-month community order with 12 months' supervision, 160 hours' unpaid work and a three-month electronically-monitored curfew from 10pm to 5am. He must also pay £500 compensation.

Judge Glenn said: "You are jeopardising your future."