Man who stabbed friend jailed for 18 months

10:36pm Sunday 10th February 2008

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A MAN who stabbed his friend in the back after a row over a camping trip has been jailed for 18 months.

Lifeguard Richard Barnes thought at first he had been punched by John Hutchinson but then realised he had been knifed when he started bleeding badly, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Hutchinson was quizzed by police and told them he had drunk at least two litres of cider and some wine.

The court was told his past behaviour had included attacking a member of the public in a supermarket car park and spitting at an off-duty bus driver.

Sentencing, Recorder John Gibson said Hutchinson, who had a drink problem, was assessed as posing a high risk to the public and the chances of him striking again in a similar way were quite high.

The defendant, of Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, admitted wounding. He was also given two years extended licence.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, told the court last April 21 the victim and his girlfriend and Hutchinson and his partner decided to go to the Lake District camping and went back to the defendant's home for some equipment.

Hutchinson and his girlfriend were in the back of Mr Barnes's car and started to argue. It became obvious the trip was not on and Mr Barnes drove back to Hutchinson's.

Miss Statham said Hutchinson and his partner rowed at the back of the car, there was pushing and shoving and neighbours alerted police.

Mr Barnes got out of the vehicle and said he would help Hutchinson's girlfriend get her belongings from the car.

Whilst he was helping her, the defendant struck him a blow from behind, just below his right shoulder. Police arrived, Hutchinson and his partner had got back in the car and were found in the back seat, crouching down.

The prosecutor said the defendant was arrested and police found the knife. It was a keyring in the shape of a car which had a four centimetre blade, like a flick knife.

The victim was taken to hospital and fortunately the stab wound was minor. Hutchinson was later interviewed by police, said he had been drinking and made no comment. He had 13 previous convictions.