A 31-YEAR-OLD man from Middlesborough has been handed a 13 year jail term after he pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm following a disorder in Christian Malford last year.

John Francis Ward, of King Georges Terrace, Middlesbrough, was given the sentence at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday following a trial for attempted murder, however on the second day he pleaded guilty to GBH which was accepted.

Ward received the sentence for punching, kicking and stamping on a 47-year-old man from Bristol during a fight with another man in the early hours of June 22 last year.

The victim, who rolled under a car to get to safety, was also slashed in the face, arms and neck probably with a knife.

Detective Inspector Simon Pope said: “This was a really nasty attack by Ward, who was known to the victim. The injuries he caused included deep cuts across his face, neck, throat and arms.

"It is believed he used a Stanley knife to repeatedly slash his victim as he struggled to get away.

"The only way the victim was able to get away from Ward was by taking cover underneath a vehicle. Had he not done this, he said he feared he would be killed as the attack was so violent.

“Although initially charged with attempted murder, Ward later pleaded guilty to GBH with intent which was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service, and he has been sentenced to a lengthy 13 years' imprisonment.

"I am satisfied with this sentence as it reflects the seriousness of the attack and the injuries inflicted upon the victim.

“Wiltshire Police take reports of violence extremely seriously and will do all that we can to ensure the case is taken to court and offenders are brought to justice.”