A KNIFE attacker who slashed his victim across the face and left him permanently scarred has been jailed for six years.

Ex-heroin addict Martin Quigley, 36, had had a cocktail of drink and anti-depressants when he lunged at Raimonds Mickevics outside a Tesco store in the early hours.

Security staff knew the defendant, a one-time prolific crook, and were trailing him on CCTV and the assault was captured on camera, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The hearing was told the victim, who had gone to the store with Quigley to get cash to buy a bike off him, suffered a 10cm wound to his cheek and was bleeding heavily.

The defendant had got the weapon from a friend immediately before the attack.

Quigley, of Branch Road, Burnley, admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possessing a bladed article.

Jonathan Clarke, prosecuting, said Mr Mickevics, had been drinking during the day. Around midnight, two men arrived at his Burnley home and one of them, Quigley, was trying to sell a pushbike.

They agreed a price of £40 and, each with a friend, went to Tesco to the cash machine.

Once there, a dispute arose over cash. The defendant got the knife and went up to Mr Mickevics, who was acting as peacemaker.

The victim stepped back, but the defendant slashed him with the knife, gashing his cheek. Mr Mickevics went to hospital.

The defendant was arrested and tried to blame the victim.

After the incident, Mr Mickevics felt he had to leave town because he was afraid.

He gave up his job and felt uncomfortable as a lot of people asked him about the scar.

Philip Holden, for Quigley, said he had been drinking heavily and was on anti-depressants.

He said: @He accepts his reaction on this particular evening was, in his words, well over the top."