A teenager whose violent attack shut down a Rochester pub has been warned he faces a long jail sentence.

Sami Perfect has admitted the knife attack in the Prince of Wales Pub, which left victim Martin Bass needing 40 stitches and a long facial scar.

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It led to police revoking the licence of the bar, in Cecil Road.

Perfect, of Wayfield Road, Chatham, admitted a charge of wounding with intent when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

But his lawyers are arguing it was "excessive self-defence" and before he is sentenced, a judge will hold a further hearing to decide the merits of the 19-year-old's mitigation.

Despite facing a jail sentence, judge Julian Smith granted Perfect bail on condition he resides at his home until the hearing on October 25.

But he did allow him to go on holiday for 10 days with his girlfriend and her mother.

Mr Bass, who is in his 20s, suffered the long cut to his face, narrowly missing his eye, during an after hours drinking session at the pub on March 10 last year.

He lost more than a litre of blood and needed 40 stitches from his scalp to his cheek.

Mr Bass was believed to have been helping the landlord who was asking people to finish their drinks when a fight broke out.

One woman posted online saying the attack came "completely out off the blue".

She added: "A young man who has never hurt a soul in his life was slashed with a knife across his face.

"There was no warning for this cowardly attack."

Police had called for the pub to be closed following the incident and the landlord had his licence suspended on the grounds that the premises was associated with "serious crime and disorder".

A report to the licensing hearing claimed the bar area was cleaned by staff prior to police arrival "potentially hindering the investigation and possible forensic opportunity".

The weapon was never found, but police did find a long sheath which they believe housed the machete-type weapon.

The judge told Perfect "There is no alternative to prison for this offence."

He gave the teenager the option of having his bail revoked so he could start his prison sentence now - but Perfect said he wanted to go on the holiday he had already booked with his girlfriend.

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