Woman scarred for life by drunken knife attack

A drunken reveller who launched a violent slashing attack on two party-goers has been jailed for five and a half years.

Alcohol-fuelled Stephen Thompson, described as a ‘gentle giant ’, carried out a frenzied knife attack on a couple following a dispute at a party at his house in Boldon Colliery in the early hours of January 14.

When the 27-year-old, who suffers from learning difficulties, asked all of the guests to leave his property he got into an argument with the female victim–whosepartner then intervened and punched Thompson a number of times in the face.

Thompson then produced a craft knife and slashed the male victim, slicing his forearm and neck.

Newcastle Crown court heard how the couple then left the house, but were followed by Thompson – who was still waving the knife in a slashing motion towards the man.

However he accidentally slashed the female across the face, causing blood to “go squirting” everywhere.

The court was told that the defendant then attempted to ditch his bloodied T-shirt in a nearby garden.

Prosecutor Emma Dow ling said :“The wound was deep and has left a lasting physical scar that she knows she will have to live with for there st of her life .”

The court heard how she still has nightmares about the attack and it will take her time to accept her injuries.

The male victim said he has been left“frightened” and sufferedsuperficial lacerations to the face and forearm.

Thompson, of Charles Street, Boldon Colliery, admitted charges of wounding, wounding with intent, possession of a bladed article and possession of cannabis.

John Wilkinson, defending,explained that the defendant suffered from a number of learning disabilities and a depressive disorder.

Judge Sarah Mallet imposed a five-and-a-half year custodial sentence.

Thompson was also given a life-long restraining order against the female victim.