A FATHER who repeatedly stabbed a man who had left his home and family to investigate noises was jailed for five years.

Burnley Crown Court heard Gary Turner launched a "vicious and unprovoked" attack on Mark Winstanley.

Mr Winstanley had to have surgery after tendons in his arm were damaged and now bears a lengthy scar after the incident.

Turner, who inflicted four separate wounds on his victim in the early-hours fracas, had claimed he had nothing to do with the assault, but after he was recently convicted by a jury, he admitted his part.

Sentencing the defendant, Judge David Pirie said Mr Winstanley was a mild-mannered, inoffensive man and it was clear from a recent statement from him that the ordeal had had a considerable effect upon him.

He said he had not been impressed with Turner's version of events and added the only explanation Turner could put forward for his behaviour was that he had had a lot to drink the night before.

Turner, 31, of Snape Street, Darwen, had earlier been found guilty of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm after a four-day trial.

Mr Winstanley, who has moved from his home, said he was satisfied with Turner's five-year sentence and thanked DC Dave Braithwaite, of Darwen CID, for his support during the nine-month ordeal.

The court was told Mr Winstanley was at his home when he heard noises and went outside to find the defendant with a dog sitting on a nearby wall.

At first, there was a "civil exchange" between the two men but then for some reason, Turner became aggressive and was asked to moderate his voice.

The defendant got hold of the victim, butted him and a struggle developed. Turner then punched Mr Winstanley when he was on the top of his car.

The jury had been told Turner drew a knife, repeatedly struck Mr Winstanley and inflicted on him four separate wounds.

John Woodward, defending, said Turner had expressed remorse for what happened even though it was literally at the eleventh hour. He had come to terms to some extent with what he had done.

The defendant's girlfriend was standing by him. They had a 17-month-old child who doted on her father and was constantly asking where her daddy was.

Turner was concerned about his family and knew he was not going to see them for some considerable time. He had put himself in jeopardy and placed his family in the unfortunate position of not having him around.

Mr Woodward said Turner's previous convictions did him no credit, although in recent years his offending and the severity of it had decreased. He had lost his liberty before, but that was for offences of dishonesty.

Turner had never been to an adult prison, his remand in custody had taken its toll and he had found jail very hard indeed.

Mr Woodward added clearly a substantial sentence had to follow, but Turner's family would suffer as much as him. His girlfriend was still very young and she was going to have a very difficult time indeed.