A DRUNKEN man who slashed his long-time friend's face in a fight, leaving him with "horrific" injuries, was today starting a three-year jail term.

Burnley Crown Court heard that Daniel Dawson suffered a 15cm gash in front of his ear and arterial bleeding after he was attacked by John Pounder after a drugs session in the toilets of Burnley Wood Conservative Club.

Mr Dawson had to undergo surgery the day after.

Pounder, 20, of Russell Court, Burnley, who has previous convictions for violence, earlier admitted unlawful wounding in March.

Sentencing, Recorder Sarah Singleton said because of drink Pounder had been incapable of understanding the gravity and risks of what he did.

Peter Horgan, prosecuting, told the court the defendant and victim, who had rowed, went into the club toilets to take cocaine. Mr Dawson had not actually taken any drugs but intended to. Pounder got a craft knife off his friend to cut the cocaine and "glanced " the victim's chin.

Mr Dawson then lost his temper and punched the defendant, giving him a black eye.

He then stood by the sink and as Pounder walked past he swung the knife at him, cutting Mr Dawson. Mr Horgan said Pounder claimed the offence occurred immediately after being punched by Mr Dawson but the Crown maintained there was a short delay.

The prosecutor added Pounder was clearly under the influence of alcohol when arrested.

Mr Horgan said Mr Dawson had retracted his complaint after the attack and had not wanted to pursue charges against Pounder.

The pair were now good friends again.

Philip Holden, defending, said custody was inevitable. Pounder instinctively lashed out at the victim. He had had difficulty in coming to terms with the injury he had caused.