A MAN who slashed a former drinking companion with a knife in a benefits day bust-up, has gone to prison for 12 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how "bad blood" existed between Anthony Sweeney, 62, and victim Meredith Talbot, 47, after Sweeney was said to have made unwanted advances towards Mr Talbot's wife.

The defendant armed himself with a potato knife and slashed Mr Talbot just below the heart after the pair met outside a Blackburn post office when they went to collect their benefits.

Sweeney was said to suffer anxiety, depression and "social phobia" as well as arthritis.

Judge Raymond Bennett said there was only one purpose for taking a knife out and that was to use it if the occasion arose.

Sweeney had claimed Mr Talbot kicked him and that's why he produced the knife. But Judge Bennett went on: "A kick is no justification for using a knife."

Sweeney, of St Michael's Court, Blackburn, earlier admitted unlawful wounding.

Fiona McNeil, prosecuting, said Mr and Mrs Talbot used to chat with Sweeney in Blackburn pubs, but things began to sour after the defendant was said to have made unwanted advances towards the victim's wife.

When Mr and Mrs Talbot went to a post office on Preston New Road last June they were approached by Sweeney, another argument followed and Sweeney reached inside his jacket and pulled out the knife.

Mr Talbot went to hospital and had five stitches in the wound, just below his heart.

Norman Lowson, defending, said Sweeney had felt under threat and carried the knife to defend himself. He did not accept he made a remark about Mrs Talbot.

Mr Lowson added Sweeney had to accept his reaction was wrong and that it was reckless.

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