A TEENAGER who impressed a judge with his determination to turn his life around has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Last month 19-year-old Louis Nolan appeared at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm by punching his mother, fracturing her cheekbone and eye socket after she made disparaging comments about his girlfriend.

He also admitted causing grievous bodily harm to Philip Derbyshire by throwing a broken bottle neck at him.

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But Colin Buckle, defending told how Nolan, of Burnham Walk, Farnworth had a troubled upbringing and difficult relationship with his mother.

Judge Graeme Smith opted to defer sentence until yesterday to see if Nolan could co-operate with the probation service.

Mr Buckle told Judge Smith: "Your Honour gave him a chance and he has grasped it with both hands. He can't have done more."

The judge sentenced Nolan to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years with 30 days of rehabilitation activities. An order was made banning him from contacting his mother for five years.