A BURNLEY man stabbed an acquaintance following a drunken argument over a taxi fare, a court heard.

Jason Curtis, 30, of Coal Clough Lane, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Peter Whittaker and common assault on Mrs Donna Whittaker.

Henry Blackshaw, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court that the Whittakers had gone for some food at a kebab house following a heavy night's drinking in Burnley town centre. The Whittakers bumped into Curtis at the shop and agreed to share a taxi home with him.

Curtis was the first to be dropped off but when asked to pay he refused and left the taxi.

As he made his way into the house which belonged to his grandmother, Mrs Whittaker chased him asking for payment.

Mr Blackshaw told the court that "he took hold of her and removed her from the house." At this point Mr Whittaker became involved, kicking Curtis in the shin.

Curtis took a breadknife from the kitchen and a struggle ensued in which Mr Whittaker was stabbed in the lower chest.

The court heard that the wound was not sizeable and was simply dressed when he received treatment.

Mr Blackshaw added: "He then grabbed hold of Donna Whittaker and was taking swings at her."

Curtis said he was "scared" by the situation and that Mr Whittaker must have "run onto the knife."

Nicholas Kennedy, defending, said: "This wasn't instigated by the defendant."

He said that Curtis was acting in self-defence and had taken it too far.

Curtis had previous convictions for violent behaviour, some of which had stemmed from drinking.

Judge David Pirie said: "It seems to be this man drinks too much and it seems to have been a problem for some time."

Curtis was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay £225 compensation and £100 costs.

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