A TEENAGER headbutted a woman at a New Year party, leaving her with a nosebleed, bruising and swelling.

Brendan Price, 19, had been confined to his home for four months by a curfew order which expired on December 31, 2012.

That night, he went to a party in Hilltop Close, Stroud but trouble broke out and he was told to leave, Gloucester Crown Court heard on Friday. Prosecutor Nick O'Brien said that as he was being escorted out, Price headbutted a woman.

At the time of the incident Price, of Westward Road, Ebley, was subject to a youth rehabilitation order following an earlier conviction, he added.

His record included several convictions for disorder and assault on police, the court was told.

Price admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Dermot Clarke, for the defence, said his client snapped at the last minute, adding that the victim had been both verbally and physically abusive to him that night.

Price left home at 16 when his mother brought a new partner to the family home and had spent the next two-and-a-half years getting into trouble, Mr Clarke said.

He was now back on good terms with his mother, he added.

Price was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment suspended for two years. He must also complete 60 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 compensation to the victim of the assault plus a victim surcharge of £100.

Price was placed under supervision for a year and must attend special programmes for 30 days.