A TEENAGER with what a judge slammed as a "dreadful record for violence," was warned if he struck again he could face life in jail.

Young dad Stephen Holt, 19, already had a conviction for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and if he committed a similar offence again, he could be given life, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Holt, who had knifed a teenager, had earlier been given a community punishment and 18 month rehabilitation order after being convicted of unlawful wounding. He had completed the community punishment satisfactorily but had failed to attend probation appointments.

The defendant, of Whitendale Crescent, Blackburn, appeared at Burnley Crown Court after admitting breaching the order.

He was given 40 hours community punishment by Judge Raymond Bennett who said his record for violence was dreadful.

Roger Baldwin, prosecuting, said the defendant headbutted the 15-year-old victim. She fell to the floor and he began punching her until he was pulled away by friends.

He then started to prod her with what appeared to be a kitchen knife and told friends: "I have stabbed her."

When Holt was interviewed by police he said he had had a few cans of lager and felt dizzy and drowsy. He claimed he did not remember headbutting the victim but said her nose had been bleeding.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Holt had earlier had one of the worst records to be seen for a 17-year-old.

It was now one-and-a-half years since the offence and he had not offended since.