A man dubbed the Demon Barber has escaped jail after slicing his victim's throat with a cut-throat razor.

Lloyd Dobrodumow, who calls himself the Demon Barber on his Twitter account, attacked Robert Smith after he dropped a can of beer on the ground outside his barber shop in Newcastle.

The 45-year-old, who was carrying a razor, reacted angrily and told the victim to put the can in the bin before punching him with the blade in his hand.

The incident, which took place on June 10 this year left the victim with a ten centimetre wound to his neck and damage to his muscle, gland and artery.

Robert Smith, who was left bleeding from his neck, was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary and underwent surgery to repair the wound.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the victim told Dobrodumow that if he gave him £10,000 this would all go away.

Dobrodumow, who has a history of domestic violence and 17 convictions pleaded guilty to wounding without intent.

Recorder Little sentenced Dobrodumow to 12 months in prison suspended for two years with a supervision order.

He also ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £5000 compensation to Robert Smith.