A 20-YEAR-old Dudley man who bit a teenage girl and pushed over her mother after taking cocaine has avoided a spell behind bars.

Recorder Richard Atkins QC told Joseph Williams it was a "ferocious attack" but he ruled he was just able to allow him to keep his freedom.

Williams, of Monument Lane, was given 14 months detention suspended for two years and further ordered to carry out 180 hours unpaid work in the community.

The Recorder also made a restraining order at Wolverhampton Crown Court forbidding him from having any contact with the two victims.

Edward Soulsby prosecuting said Williams, who was upset with the family, went to their Dudley home in the early hours and when the mother opened the front door he pushed her backwards and said, "I will kill you."

He said Williams then lunged at the teenage girl and bit her around the left eye before throwing cans of paint on walls, furniture and the floor.

Police officers were called to the scene, added Mr Soulsby, and they found Williams fast asleep in an upstairs bedroom.

After his arrest he tested positive for cocaine.

Williams had admitted assaulting the teenager causing her actual bodily harm and common assault against the second victim.

He had further admitted criminal damage to the property, with Mr Oliver Woolhouse defending successfully, arguing that any sentence imposed by the court should be suspended.

The Recorder also ruled that Williams should attend a rehabilitation course to resolve his drug abuse.