A MAN who threw vodka in the face of a five-year-old has been handed a suspended sentence.

Kyus Hannibal, of College Road, Pontypool pleaded guilty to assaulting a child under 10 at Newport Magistrates Court.

The court heard that Hannibal and the boy - were both at a pub when the incident happen.

Prosecutor Christian Rose said that after getting drinks, 24-year-old Hannibal started to walk down steps to the beer garden.

"The boy's mother saw the defendant walking down the steps, carrying two drinks, and he slipped on the last few," he said.

"But he managed to keep hold of them. He fell back again but managed to stand up.

"As a result, the boy and friends stood next to him and laughed."

Hannibal - who was intoxicated - then turned to the boy and threw vodka into his face.

"It hit his eyes," said Mr Rose.

"Her son was in pain and she was told his eyes were burning. She took her son to hospital that day.

"The boy has referenced what happened to him on occasions. He has not forgotten about it."

Sarah Iles, defending, said Hannibal he has patchy recollection of what happened.

"Thankfully there are no lasting physical injuries and it was over in seconds,” she added

"Nonetheless, the defendant accepts fully what he did and is remorseful. He deeply regrets the incident.

District judge David Parsons gave him a 14-week suspended prison sentence and order him to carry out 100 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £250 in compensation and £85 costs.

After the sentencing, the mother of the boy said: "I am still so angry at what has happened.

"There is no excuse to have done that to a young boy."