AN Exmouth teenager's out of character" behaviour led to a man needing stitches after a glass bottle hit him in the face.

AN Exmouth teenager's "out of character" behaviour led to a man needing stitches after a glass bottle hit him in the face. Appearing at Exeter Youth Court, the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. David Burgess, for the prosecution, told the court the incident happened at a birthday party in the town just after Christmas.He said alcohol had been consumed and a "scuffle" involving the youth, then 16, and a 20-year-old Exmouth man, broke out. They had been separated and were standing at opposite sides of the table when, Mr Burgess said, the victim alleges "a bottle was thrown at him". The man had a 3cm cut to his face which required two stitches.However, Rachel Bentley, defending, said her client threw the bottle at the table which ricocheted into the face of the victim.She said: "He didn't give any thought to the consequences. He was not aware he (the victim) had been hit or was injured."She described the teenager's behaviour as "out of character" and said he "impresses as a mature and responsible young man". Magistrates imposed a six month referral order, reduced from eight because of the youth's guilty plea.Magistrate Gillian Adams said the sentence was a "wonderful opportunity" and she hoped he would "knuckle down and get on with the order".