POLICE have said they will "not tolerate serious violence" after a man was jailed following a near-fatal stabbing in Southampton.
Samuel Woodford, 31, "nearly killed" Richard Lidbetter after a brawl broke out outside Tesco Express on London Road, a court heard.
Mr Lidbetter was stabbed three times during the incident on July 6, which broke out over a bike.
Woodford then clambered onto the roof of a house and began throwing tiles into the back garden and street, damaging three cars and injuring a police officer.
On Thursday he was jailed for four years and two months, followed by two years on licence.
Officer in the case, PC Eloise Prowting from Western Investigations, said: "Woodford's actions that day could have quite easily ended in tragedy and how he behaved before his arrest was completely unacceptable, putting both the public and my colleagues in further danger.
"I hope this sentence shows that we will not tolerate serious violence in our city and will do all in our power to ensure offenders are brought to justice."
Mr Lidbetter required emergency surgery following the stabbing.
Simon Walters, prosecuting, said the fight took place in broad daylight and that the victim suffered an injury to his spleen and needed an operation. He was also stabbed in his left arm and left thigh.
Jim Osbourne, mitigating, said his client used a knife he carried for his own protection after a "pretty traumatic" time living on the streets.
Judge Gary Burrell KC told Woodford he "nearly killed" Mr Lidbetter, adding: "You thought you were acting in self-defence but went way over the top."
Woodford, 31, of no fixed address, had previously pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, carrying a bladed article in a public place, assaulting an emergency worker, and criminal damage.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article