Knifeman jailed for public safety

Luke Gannon, 22, attacked victim Jonathan Herring following a history of ill-feeling between the pair.

Hove Crown Court heard how Mr Herring needed stitches to the wound which narrowly missed his kidneys. Gannon, of no fixed address, admitted wounding with intent.

The court was told that on the night of August 12 Gannon was shouting loudly as he walked near Mr Herring's home in a cul-de-sac in Jacob's Acre.

Mr Herring feared Gannon was going to attack him so hit him with a piece of wood from a broken coat rack.

During a struggle he was stabbed by Gannon who ran off shouting: "Wait until you take your shirt off."

Gannon, who had a 300-a-week cocaine habit, also admitted grabbing a young woman as she and a friend walked home from a night out in Bexhill in February 2007.

When her friend's boyfriend approached Gannon he punched him in the face knocking him to the ground where he hit his head and lost consciousness.

The victim suffered a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain but later recovered.

Gannon, who has previous convictions for burglary, theft and public order offences, admitted common assault and causing grievous bodily harm.

Defending, Ian Potter told the court: "He does seem to have genuine remorse and he is sickened by his actions and the harm he has caused."

Judge Anthony Niblett gave Gannon an indeterminate sentence for public protection after hearing he was deemed to be a high risk of causing harm to the public.

The minimum sentenced passed was 10 years in jail and Gannon must serve at least five years behind bars before he is considered for release on parole.

Judge Niblett told him: "Knife crime will not be tolerated and will be punished most severely. In my judgement you are a dangerous young man, especially when under the influence of alcohol and cocaine."