A DRUNKARD who slashed his partner with a knife and then turned the weapon on himself has walked free from court.

Burnley Crown Court had heard how Mark Nuttall, 23, had also injured himself before the attack which left the mother of his baby girl with a deep one-inch cut to her finger.

He was given 18 months probation.

Nuttall, of Lodge Street, Accrington, earlier admitted unlawful wounding.

Keith Harrison, prosecuting, said Nuttall had gone to the complainant's home drunk, rows began and he got a knife from the kitchen. The girlfriend felt threatened, said she was going to call the police and couldn't pacify the defendant. She tried to run upstairs and Nuttall ran after her and struck out at her with the knife.

He then cut himself several times in the chest in a state of high distress and his need for medical attention was greater than the aggrieved.

Jacob Dyer, defending, said Nuttall had been to his GP about his drink problem and had been referred for counselling. The offence was out of character.

There may have been some history of self-mutilation in the past, but there was no history of assault. He had no criminal record at all.

Nuttall had not seen the complainant or his child since the offence and there had been no contact.

Mr Dyer went on: "There has been no further trouble. The defendant is trying to deal with his problems.

"He needs counselling and is seeing his GP at the moment every two weeks."

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