A VIOLENT thug has been jailed indefinitely after his latest crime - slashing his victim in the face with a knife and leaving him needing 57 stitches.

Tunisian Aimen Tajouri, 25, of King Street, Haslingden, was described in court as a "very dangerous man who used violence as a problem solving technique."

Burnley Crown Court was told that he attacked 18-year-old James Haworth after an earlier takeaway melee.

And while he was on bail for that offence, he trashed his former girlfriend's house and assauted her male friend after they took refuge in a bedroom, the court heard.

At the time of the offences, he had been subject of a suspended prison sentence at the time and had previous convictions for battery, affray and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Tajouri was jailed until the parole board considers he is safe to be released. But the board will not be asked to think about releasing him until he has served four years and 12 weeks.

He had admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm following the incidents last October and affray last December.

Sentencing, Judge Brian Duckworth said Tajouri was a "very dangerous man".

He said the Probation Service reported he used violence as a problem solving technique, failed to accept responsibility for his conduct, showed little victim empathy and posed a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public.

Judge Duckworth also recommended the defendant be deported. But Tajouri had been given indefinite leave to stay in Britain and was not an asylum seeker, Amy Nicholson, defending, said.

Paul Murphy, prosecuting, told the court that Tajouri had been involved in an incident involving younger youths and Mr Haworth went to remonstrate.

The defendant leapt over some railings, went to his car, got a knife, ran towards the victim and hit him in the head with the weapon in his hand.

Mr Haworth suffered a gash down the left had side of his face and had to have 57 stitches and was in hospital several days.

Mr Murphy said the second incident happened in December at the home of Carole Lewis, the defendant's former partner of four years and mother of his daughter.

Amy Nicholson, defending, said Tajouri would say he was being mocked in the takeaway and there were three separate scuffles.

She said Tajouri went to his ex-girlfriend's house as he wanted to see their young daughter.