A Dublin man has been jailed for two years for slashing the face of a man who came to his rescue three years ago. His victim was left with a permanent scar after he was attacked with a broken bottle.

On October 26th 2010, Gerard Allen of Melrose Avenue in Clondalkin was being attacked by two others.

John Graham, a qualified electrician, was out drinking with friends when he spotted what was happening and raced over to help him. In the confusion, Gerard ended up punching him in the face before running away.

The court heard he returned five minutes later and slashed Mr. Graham across the face with a broken bottle.

He needed 19 stitches and now has a permanent scar, which he is very "self conscious" of because he is afraid people will consider him a violent person.

Today, Allen pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and handed in a letter of apology for Mr. Graham.

He was then sentenced to three years behind bars with the final year suspended.