A MAN was warned to expect jail after he stabbed a friend in a confrontation at a house party.

Anthony John Wardle was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, following the incident at a house in Morpeth Street, Horden, County Durham, early on Saturday, June 19.

During the clash, his friend since childhood, Stuart Longstaff, 25, suffered abdominal, thigh and head injuries for which he underwent lengthy hospital treatment.

Two women, aged 24 and 25, who tried to intervene suffered lesser injuries in the incident, which spilled out from the house into a back lane at about 6.45am.

Wardle, 26, of Morpeth Street, was charged with unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on Mr Longstaff.

He also faced two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, and one of possessing a knife in public.

Appearing at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court yesterday, he admitted all but one of the assault charges.

Jennifer Haigh, prosecuting, formally offered no evidence on the single assault charge denied by Wardle.

Stuart Graham, for Wardle, asked for background reports on his client before sentencing.

Mr Graham told Judge Christopher Prince: “He is of utmost good character until this incident.

“It is something of a tragic case and you will recall how distraught he was last time he appeared before your honour, and that is still the case.”

Judge Prince agreed to adjourn sentencing and extended Wardle’s bail at a Teesside hostel, which includes an 8pm to 8am electronically-tagged curfew.

Wardle will be sentenced on October 29 and must stay out of Horden until then.