A MAN who left his homeless older brother with facial injuries after attacking him has been sentenced.

Johnathan Guest, of Chester Road in Buckley, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning for sentence.

The 41-year-old had previously been convicted after trial of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, which took place on April 29 last year in Buckley.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told the court that the victim - Andrew Cooper - was the defendant's 58-year-old brother.

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Just before midnight, police received a call from Guest's neighbour, who had heard arguments from the defendant's flat.

One person was heard to say: "Go on then, are you going to stab me or what?"

Officers arrived at the property and found the defendant in the living room with his brother - who had visible injuries including cuts to his hear, bruising to his face and ear, and a cut and swollen lip.

Wendy Shurrock, defending, told the court that her client had allowed his brother to stay with him when he was homeless.

She added: "The defendant is keen to restart his relationship with his brother and following trial Mr Cooper sent a message to his mother saying he'd like to see if they can build bridges.

"[The defendant] accepts his reaction was wrong - what started as something good went very wrong."

She added her client has a "history of violence" and struggles with alcohol use - something he has since sought help with.

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The Leader:

Ms Shurrock added the defendant's offending began after he was the victim of a "nasty assault" when he was 21, leading to him having serious epilepsy.

Brian Manford, Chair of the Bench, told the defendant: "This wasn't a pleasant situation, was it?

"The injuries show us how bad it was."

He handed down a four month custodial term, but suspended it for 18 months.

Guest must undertake 35 sessions on a thinking skills programme, 20 days of rehabilitation activity, a six-month alcohol treatment programme and observe a 7pm to 7am curfew for six months.

The court also ordered him to pay £500 compensation to his brother, as well as £200 costs.

The defendant told the Magistrates: "Thank you - I will not let you down."

The Bench was also addressed by Guest's dad, who told them: "Your worships, I am the boy's father.

"I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart."