A SOUTHAMPTON judge described a teenager as a danger to the public before putting him behind bars for four years for wounding a pool player.

Judge David Griffiths heard how the "king of the table" was slashed across the face and neck.

Tempers had been simmering because the victim, John Doig, had proved unbeatable on the pool table. It provoked remarks from a group including Alan Bundy, who couldn't get a game.

Eventually, Bundy approached Mr Doig and appeared to punch him, before rushing out of the Merry Oak pub, Southampton.

Richard Brown, prosecuting, said it soon became apparent he had been slashed from near the right eye and on the neck, and an ambulance was called.

"No weapon was recovered but the medical officer who examined him said it was consistent the wounds were made by a blade. He was treated in hospital and the wounds were closed with ten stitches.''

Bundy, of Blackthorn Road, Merryoak, Southampton, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Ben Compton, in mitigation, said Bundy - who had nine previous convictions for offences of violence - had been deeply affected at the age of 16 by the death of his grandmother, who had brought him up.

"He has been in and out of custodial institutions for some time. Drink has been involved in all the cases and he must do something about it."