A man who smashed a glass into a Police officer?s face was given a one-year suspended sentence yesterday in Supreme Court.

In May, the court found Darren Souza, 26, of Inland Lane, Pembroke, guilty of wounding Inspector Nicholas Pedro and using offensive words at the Blue Juice bar last year.

Yesterday, Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons sentenced Souza to a year in prison but suspended the sentence for two years.

She warned Souza that he had to keep a clean record over the two years or the prison component could be activated immediately.

Souza was also ordered to pay $300 immediately for using offensive words.

In a victim impact statement which was read to the court yesterday, Mr. Pedro said the wounds he received in the May 18, 2004 attack, have scarred him both mentally and physically.

He had to see a plastic surgeon to have the scars on his face treated but the scarring on the left side of his face will never disappear.

The victim also said he suffered severe pain for more than a week after the ordeal.

When he is out socially, he is now extremely anxious and cautious and finds it extremely difficult to relax.

Mr. Pedro added that when his three-year-old son saw his face after the incident he was ?moved to tears?.

Souza, who spent six weeks in prison before the sentencing, yesterday expressed remorse for his actions and read an apology letter to the court yesterday.

He said he ?never intended to cause the injury?.

?I apologise for finding myself before the court, I have always been a person who has upheld the lessons taught to me by my parents to be a law abiding and productive member of society,? he said.

Souza, who works as a mechanic, said he had sold everything he had to secure a defence in the trial ? ?you won?t see me here again,? he added.

Souza, also damaged some personal items of Mr. Pedro, and was ordered to pay back $1,581.58 in $200 installations through his attorney?s office.