AN ACCRINGTON knifeman has been jailed indefinitely after repeatedly stabbing his friend.

Shaun Freeston was told by a judge that it was a miracle that he had not killed Andrew David Loock, who he left bound and gagged after the attack.

Mr Loock had let Freeston, 25, stay at his home over Christmas and New Year while he was away in Wales.

But, for reasons that are still not clear, Freeston launched his 'terrifying' onslaught almost the moment Mr Loock returned home on January 4 this year.

Having been asked if he had a good Christmas, Freeston replied: "Mine's just about to get better".

He then stabbed Mr Loock from behind in the left shoulder blade with a kitchen knife and demanded money.

His friend asked why he was being attacked but was stabbed on his left arm.

Francis McEntee, prosecuting, said: "Mr Loock tried to reach for his wallet, but the defendant stabbed him to his right side, threatening 'the next one will be across your throat'.

"Mr Loock then shouted for help, which prompted the defendant to stab him to the right arm pit and push him to the floor.

"Having seen Mr Loock's wallet fall to the floor, the defendant said 'There better be at least £90 in here or you're dead'."

The wallet contained only £70 and the defendant repeated the threat that Mr Loock was a dead man.

"Mr Loock then sought to avoid any further violence by feigning that he had fallen unconscious", Mr McEntee added.

Freeston made a call to someone, confirming he had obtained money to pay for crystal meth.

He then ripped up a quilt cover, using the torn strands to bind and gag his victim. He locked the door from outside as he went.

Both Mr Loock's lungs were punctured and he is still recovering from his injuries.

Freeston and Mr Loock had met at Blackpool's Parkwood Hospital.

Freeston, of no fixed address but formerly of Accrington, had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder. He was jailed indefinitely.

Katherine Blackwell, defending, said Freeston apologised, first and foremost to Mr Loock and his family, but also to the emergency services who he knew were able to save his life and the shame he had brought on his family.