A THUG who smashed a china cup into the face of a 14-year-old during an argument has been jailed for three years.

Aaron Hopkins, 20, of Tennyson Avenue, Cliffe admitted carrying out the attack on the lad at a house in the village in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2009.

Maidstone Crown Court was told the pair rowed before Hopkins threatened the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and went on smack the cup into his face, leaving the youngster needing stitches.

Doctors fear his scars could be permanent.

Hopkins pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to cause injury and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, January 29.

Det Cons Clare Gibson said: "Hopkins showed a clear intent on causing an injury by threatening the victim and proceeding to hit him with force using a makeshift weapon.

"The injury sustained was serious and may leave permanent scarring."

"We are pleased the judge has recognised the severity of the incident and hope that this sentence demonstrates that Kent police in Medway will not tolerate violent incidents of this nature and will deal with offenders robustly."