A 23-year-old Kidderminster man has been saved from prison after an emotive plea from his mother whom he had headbutted in a drunken rage.

Mrs Angela Badger, of Worcester Road, Kidderminster, told Judge Alistair McCreath at Worcester Crown Court: "I have forgiven him."

Nathan Badger, who has recently been in a probation hostel, cried in the dock and said: "I am very ashamed."

Badger, who admitted breach of a community order, was given a nine-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months. The judge told him: "I am giving you this chance because of your mother."

The community order was imposed in August last year but Badger had breached the conditions by failing to turn up for appointments with probation officers.

Rachel Temple, prosecuting, said the order was made after Badger admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, common assault and criminal damage.

He had returned to the family home on April 8 last year after he had been drinking. He became involved in a dispute with his younger brother and bit him on the finger and shoulder. His mother was headbutted when she tried to intervene.

Julian Harris, defending, said Badger had since stopped drinking and using hard drugs. His mother had been a victim but she had come to court to support him. Badger had been given a chance on his last court appearance but he had muffed it.

The judge called Mrs Badger from the public gallery to give evidence. She said she hoped her son had broken his drug habit. She added: "I'm not frightened of him. He's not a bad lad."

The judge said: "What you did was unforgiveable but she has forgiven you. This is your last chance."