A KIDDERMINSTER teenager who head-butted a man in the face after an alleged remark about his girlfriend might be suffering from mental illness, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Victim Lee Poole, who was also kicked in the attack, needed eight stitches in a head wound.

Judge Marten Coates said reports on Richard McDermott revealed he had been "hearing voices".

He adjourned the case for a psychiatric report and ordered the 19-year-old not to leave his home in Gould Avenue East, Birchen Coppice, between 7pm and 7am each day.

Andrew Mazibrada, defending, said McDermott was a changed man since the birth of his daughter and was now off drugs. He was desperate for help.

But the judge said McDermott, who admitted wounding, had spurned a previous appointment with a psychiatrist and he was taking a risk in giving him another chance.

McDermott attacked Mr Poole in a burger bar queue in Kidderminster at 2.15am on New Year's Day, said Tim Sapwell, prosecuting.

He thought Mr Poole had made a derogatory remark about his girlfriend so he butted him in the face.

Mr Poole was knocked unconscious when he hit the pavement and McDermott followed up with kicks to the head.

The victim was treated in hospital for bruising and concussion and had stitches put in a 15cm head wound.

McDermott told police that he acted because he thought Mr Poole had insulted his girlfriend.

Judge Coates branded him "a potential threat to the community after drinking".