Preston man jailed over stabbing

The horrific attack, which left victim Christopher Williams blind in one eye, happened at a property on Christian Road, in Broadgate, Preston on April 2 last year, Preston’s Session’s House court was told.

James Halstead, 32, of Christian Road, was found guilty of unlawfully and maliciously wounding him with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.

The court heard police officers were called to a disturbance at a flat at about 2.30am alleging a man had been stabbed.

The victim later identified Halstead as his attacker.

He was taken to hospital and had to have 57 stitches to his injuries.

He has been left with scars on his face, ear and hands and has also lost the sight in his left eye, the court heard.

When police went to Halstead’s flat they found a blood stained scene with a knife next to the bed, judge Recorder Corless was told.

Halstead, who had left the scene in his BMW, also admitted possessing a blade in a public place after the court heard he was found on St Mary’s Street North in possession of a knife.