A MAN who left an acquaintance with a fractured skull and collapsed lung after a knife attack has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Lee Barnes, of Manley Park, Guest Road, Leigh, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possessing a knife.

The court heard how on August 9, a brief fight ensued between the 23-year-old and victim Charles Brough, who had been walking to work with a friend on Ratcliffe Road, Leigh, before being approached by Barnes.

Ken Grant, prosecuting, said both men knew each other and in 2013 they had both previously been arrested for drug allegations, resulting in Barnes being jailed.

He added that Mr Brough felt Barnes had some kind of grudge towards him, thinking the victim owed him some money.

Mr Grant said: “Barnes approached Mr Brough and said, ‘Why are you telling people you do not owe me money?’ and without warning the defendant punched Mr Brough to the back of the head using his right hand.”

This caused the altercation, which was later broken up by Mr Brough’s friend.

The court heard the victim then realised Barnes was armed with a small curved blade like a pen knife and before running off down Oxford Street.

Barnes said: ‘I will be seeing you soon.’ Mr Grant added that Mr Brough did not realise he had been stabbed until he discovered a puncture wound in his chest while cleaning himself up at his friend’s home.

He began to struggle to breathe and was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary where it was confirmed he had been stabbed and had a collapsed lung.

A CT scan also showed he had a fracture to the back of his skull, believed to have been caused by Barnes using the knife as a weapon.

Judge Robert Trevor-Jones said the incident had involved 'a very ugly weapon in the street'.

He added that Barnes was dangerous but because of the defendant's age he would not impose an extended sentence despite having been on licence from jail at the time.

Martyn Walsh, defending, said that after leaving prison eight months before the incident Barnes had been 'couch surfing' but has since found his own property and got employment.