A judge showed mercy to a remorseful teenager who scalded his girlfriend with boiling water, after he begged for "one last chance".
Nathan Haddock (19) admitted causing grievous bodily harm to the 17-year-old victim, who suffered burns to her left arm and side.
Judge Simon Hammond gave him a suspended prison sentence after hearing the couple's relationship was continuing.
The victim, who has forgiven Haddock and says she still loves him, was at Leicester Crown Court to support him.
Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said the pair went out for a night out in Leicester with two friends on August 31.
They all ended up booking into the Comfort Nights Hotel, Loughborough Road, in the early hours. The couple had earlier been arguing.
When Haddock made a cup of coffee at 2am his girlfriend pushed him, causing some of the coffee to spill on him.
"He picked up the kettle and threw his arm out, holding the kettle, in her direction," said Mr Murphy.
"It had the effect of projecting hot water on to her left arm and side, causing her to scream."
Haddock left the room and went outside for a cigarette.
Their two friends tended to the victim's burns with water and towels.
Haddock returned and they continued the night together.
Four days later, a tutor at the girl's school saw her burns and made an immediate appointment with her GP.
The police were informed and although the victim let officers photograph her injuries, she refused to make a statement.
Despite her not supporting the prosecution, Haddock was arrested and charged.
Haddock, formerly of Elizabeth Court, Wigston, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm. He appeared distressed in the dock and pleaded: "Please give me one last chance. I was an idiot."
Sentencing Haddock, Judge Hammond held up a photo of the victim's injuries and said: "It's a wicked thing to do to a young woman." He gave Haddock a 12-month detention, suspended for two years. He also told Haddock to attend a domestic violence programme.
The judge said Haddock was given chances in the past, with reprimands and warnings for assaults in 2005 and 2006.
In 2008, he assaulted a teacher.
Linda Jerman, mitigating, said Haddock was "incredibly vulnerable" and on suicide watch during 66 days on remand. She said: "He accepts he has anger problems.
"He has mental health issues.
"He's extremely upset and deeply remorseful. He loves his girlfriend dearly.
"He's her first love.
"She's also found it difficult.
"She has to balance in her mind about what's happened and what might happen in the future."
Haddock and his girlfriend both wept during the hearing.
When asked outside court why she had forgiven him, the victim said: "I love him."
