A YOUNG dad who slashed his best friend’s neck with a piece of glass has been jailed for three years.
Burnley Crown Court heard how Craig Sykes was left scarred for life after the attack in February.
Lance Henry had thrust a piece of broken mirror into Mr Sykes’ jugular vein after the pair had fallen out.
Henry, 21, formerly of Portland Street, Accrington, but now living in Miles Platting, Manchester, had earlier admitted wounding and had been facing possible life imprisonment.
But Judge Beverley Lunt said she was satisfied the defendant was not a dangerous offender. She accepted the assault was committed on the spur of the moment and his judgement had been affected by drink.
She went on: "There was clearly some provocation but it is extraordinarily fortunate for you that your victim made a full recovery.’’
The court heard that the two men had been out drinking and Henry had left his friend in town. Mr Sykes went to a house and rang the defendant, asking: "Why did you leave me? Why did you leave me?"
Mr Sykes then decided to go to Henry’s home and told him: "I wouldn't have left you, you are supposed to be my best mate."
Henry asked him to leave but Mr Sykes refused and deliberately broke the mirror. Mr Sykes accused Henry of deserting him and the defendant responded by picking up a piece of glass and gashing Mr Sykes.
Ken Hind, defending, said Henry accepted custody was inevitable but he had been subjected to a huge amount of provocation.
Mr Sykes, who accepted he had had a lot to drink and had been smoking cannabis, would make a full recovery.
The incident had cost the defendant as he had had to move from Accrington and had lost a close friendship. Henry deeply regretted what happened and would accept whatever punishment the court imposed.
Mr Hind continued: "This young man has sobered up and in my submission woken up. He has realised he has to control his drinking and has taken action to deal with it.’’
The barrister said the defendant had gone into care at the age of 10 and had met Mr Sykes there, both of them having a sad background.
Henry’s partner, with whom he had a young daughter, lived in Accrington with the child. Mr Hind added: "She will be waiting for him when he is released.’’
