AARON Stephenson is starting a five year prison sentence for his terrifying attack on Jordan Weldon.

The 23-year-old lured Weldon to a flat and tortured him, mentally and physically, leaving his victim with potentially life-changing injuries.

Durham Crown Court was told Mr Weldon is unsure whether he will be able to return to work and is unable to eat or sleep properly.

The attack took place in the early hours of November 19.

Chris Baker, prosecuting at Durham Crown Court, said Stephenson told Mr Weldon he was going to slit his throat and kill him during the ordeal.

Mr Weldon was left with a 1cm stab wound to his knee, a 25cm slash to his right arm and a 6cm gash on his arm, with multiple tendon damage.

The court was told Stephenson was served seven-and-a-half months in custody at Deerbolt Young Offenders’ Institution for assault in 2013.

Dan Cordey, mitigating, said: “This is something which has escalated from a trivial argument.

“The complainant was under the influence of drink and drugs and the defendant was under the influence of alcohol, although that is not an excuse.

“Afterwards he did try to offer first aid, however ineffectual.”

Stephenson, of Eastside Avenue, in Bearpark, near Durham, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent at Durham Crown Court in December.

A ‘not guilty’ verdict has been recorded to a separate charge of false imprisonment.

The court was told he had written a letter of apology to Mr Weldon, which was read out to the court.

Stephenson said: “I am sorry for what I have done, not just because I am in here but for all of the pain I have caused everyone. I pray you can forgive me. If there is anything I can do for you I will do it. Sorry mate.”

Recorder Ian Atherton imposed a five year prison sentence, and said he will serve half on licence in the community.

He said: “You attacked, without good reason, a person you called a friend. You attempted to apply some primitive form of first aid, not realising that the injury required hospital treatment and surgery.

“It seems to me to be a proportionate sentence for a man of your age who has shown remorse and made progress in prison.”