A Darwen man who stabbed a friend with an eight inch kitchen knife could have easily killed him, a court heard.

Preston Crown Court was told that victim Nathan Banks had gone to see Damien Duckworth over a debt.

Instead of accepting he was in the wrong, Duckworth lay in wait for him and stabbed him four times to his buttock, head and back.

Duckworth, 23, of Redearth Road, Darwen, admitted wounding Mr Banks with intent. He was orginally charged with attempted murder.

The court heard that at the time Duckworth was on bail for another attack.

He admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on 57-year-old Frank Johnson on March 30. Mr Johnson was headbutted and a computer monitor, telephone and cellotape dispenser were thrown at him causing cuts to his hand, damage to his elbow and a fracture to his finger.

Duckworth was jailed indefinitely for public protection and he will have to serve a minimum of four years before his case can be considered by the parole board.

Judge Anthony Russell QC said the attack on Mr Banks could have "easily killed him" "You were aggrressive and violent " he said.

Duckworth was also in breach of a 120 day suspended sentence for an attack on his girlfriend.

Mr Jeffrey Samuels, defending, said Duckworth had a serious drink problem.