A DEPRESSIVE who severed his long-time friend's right hand with an axe in a frenzied attack has been jailed for life.

Jason Booth, 33, had taken a cocktail of prescribed medication and drink before the horrific incident involving Gary Williamson, 40, on the anniversary of his dad's death.

Mr Williamson knew nothing about what had happened until he woke up in hospital in Manchester about two weeks after the axe attack.

He had had the severed limb sewn back on in a 12-hour operation. It had been preserved in frozen broccoli by the owners of Holden Mill Caravan Site, Haslingden, where the defendant lived and where the attack took place.

Burnley Crown Court heard Booth, who had once saved his victim's life after dragging him from a chip pan blaze, could not now sleep at night because of what he had done.

Sentencing Booth, who has never been to jail before, Judge Raymond Bennett said although surgeons had saved Mr Williamson's hand, it was not much good.

The victim, who was living in Waterfoot at the time and who now lives in Burnley, was in hospital for three months.

He also suffered a smashed jaw and lacerations at Booth's hands and had been left disfigured and in pain.

The judge went on: "He has to live with the realisation that he will never be the same again." Judge Bennett said Booth already had a conviction for using a firearm with intent to resist arrest.

He said the life term was mandatory after a second conviction for a serious offence, unless exceptional circumstances could be found. He could not find them

He added doctors had expressed concern about the medication Booth had been taking at the time, but he had also had a lot of alcohol. Booth had earlier admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, on November 8 last year. He must serve four years. less 217 days. before he can be considered for parole.

Richard Haworth, prosecuting, said the defendant and Mr Williamson had been drinking and had fallen out.

Booth, then said to drink 10 bottles of wine a day, armed himself with an axe, went in search of his friend and caught up with him at the caravan number 51 on the site.

Mr Haworth said according to the victim his hand was now more like a claw, he was on constant medication for the pain and was worried about what might happen when the defendant was released.

June Morris, defending, said residents of the caravan site were those who had become "displaced," from society.

She said Booth, who suffered clinical depression, was subjected to ritual taunting, humiliation, belittling and abuse from Mr Williamson.

After Booth pleaded guilty to the offence at a previous hearing, Mr Williamson said they had a "love-hate relationship".

But he added :"He had no right to chop my hand off."

Mr Williamson, who now has to undergo physiotherapy for possibly two years, said the attack had ruined his life but he was not going to let it get him down.

He added :"I'm still alive."