A CONVICTED knifeman who allegedly struck again in a Darwen pub could have killed his latest victim, a jury was told.

John Costello, 37, left father-of-five Christopher Carlin with a deep gash to his thigh after the alleged attack at the Ellenshaw, on Kay Street, last October.

Mr Carlin, who had been celebrating his wedding anniversary, needed emergency surgery to repair a vein.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, told Burnley Crown Court: "There was a potential for a fatal outcome. He could have had a deep vein thrombosis."

Costello, of Priory Place, Darwen, denies wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Mr Lamberty said Mr Carlin had been watching football on television at the pub. The defendant's uncle, John McConville, from Scotland, asked Mr Carlin to ask the landlady to put the karaoke on but she refused, he said.

Costello acted as peacemaker and Mr Carlin shook hands with the defendant.

But the prosecution said Mr McConville then threw a punch and then "it all kicked off," with Costello launching himself at Mr Carlin.

Costello was said to take a sharp object from his waistband and Mr Carlin went to the floor with the defendant on top of him, the court was told.

Mr Lamberty said Mr Carlin spent several days in hospital and made a reasonably good recovery after he was allowed home. He was now back at work.

The court heard that Costello went to the Millstone pub, in The Circus, Darwen, later that night, wearing different clothing.

After he was arrested, he told police Mr Carlin went over to his table, he ended up on the floor and it was news to him that Mr Carlin suffered a wound. He denied using a knife.

McConville was also arrested and had admitted using unlawful violence.

The prosecution said Costello was convicted of wounding with intent with a knife 17 years ago, wounding with a Stanley knife in 1994 and wounding with a bottle in 2000.

Mr Lamberty continued: "The Crown suggests that points to a propensity by the defendant to commit offences using a weapon."

(Proceeding)