A WIRRAL man who sliced a friend across the throat with a knife during a drink and drug fuelled row was jailed for eight years today.

John Ellis' victim has been left scarred following the late night horror attack and a judge pointed out that he had understandably feared he was going to die.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Ellis and the victim, Anthony Rainford, went for a night out in Birkenhead and ended up at the home of a female friend in Bromborough.

Jonathan Rogers, prosecuting, said that later while still there Mr Rainford wanted to stay and Ellis wanted to leave.

They began arguing over various matters which ended in violence after Ellis accused his friend of having slept with an ex-partner.

Ellis then picked up a kitchen knife and sliced Mr Rainford across the throat leaving him pouring with blood from a six centimetre wound.

The victim told him he needed help but Ellis refused to assist him.

Fortunately, the woman called for emergency assistance and the victim was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital where he had to have 14 stitches inserted in the wound.

Ellis, of Noctorum Avenue, Noctorum, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent on September 12 last year.

The court heard in mitigation that while he has previous convictions he has none for violence. The incident occurred while under the influence of alcohol and drugs and he is remorseful for his actions that night.