A JEALOUS Worcestershire ex-soldier who head butted a love rival in the face on the doorstep of his own home has been given a second chance.

Jack Pugh, of Harrington Close, Worcester, tracked his ex-girlfriend and her new partner Steven Keay back to his parents' home in Droitwich on the afternoon of February 2 this year, Worcester Crown Court heard.

The 19-year-old knocked on the door and when Mr Keay opened it, he stepped straight in and said "Where is she?" Michael Conry, prosecuting, told the court. He head butted Mr Keay in the face, causing him to stagger backwards and left him needing hospital treatment to a cut under his right eye.

Mark Sharman, defending, said it was out of character for Pugh, who was of previous good character. He said Pugh had joined the Army at 16 but left after a year due to a lack of opportunity to pursue a career in engineering. He now worked full time as an engineering apprentice and would lose his job if he was sent straight into custody.

Recorder Rachel Brand, QC, said she had decided to give Pugh a second chance.

"There is no pleasure in seeing someone like you in crown court," she told him. "You have a good job and a bright future and you could have thrown it all away. Normally when people pursue others to their own home and lash out at them they go away for a long time."

Pugh pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and was given an eight month sentence suspended for two years. He was also ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work and given a two month electronically tagged curfew between 9.30pm and 6am. He was also ordered to pay £300 compensation.