A MAN classed as a potential danger to the public by a judge was given a ten-and-a-half year prison sentence for an apparently unprovoked knife assault.

Dean Williams carried out the attack on a fellow resident at the Changing Lives hostel, run by the Cyrenians charity, at Plawsworth, near Chester-le-Street.

Durham Crown Court heard he called at the other man’s room, shortly after midnight on May 12, apparently seeking help to fix his mobile phone.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said as the flat-dweller began looking at the device, Williams started asking “hostile” questions.

While still looking at the phone the other man felt a sudden sharp pain in his neck and looked up to see Williams with what appeared to be a fish-filleting knife, which then struck the rear of his wrist.

The victim jumped up, pushed Williams away, and ran from the room, slamming the door behind, as he went to seek help.

Both an ambulance and police were called and the injured man was taken to hospital for treatment for 2cm and 5cm stab wounds, including an operation on damaged wrist tendons.

Mr Towers said Williams left a trail of damage in the room, but was found in Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street, still carrying a knife, by 2.20am.

He was arrested after dropping the knife, when instructed.

It emerged he had been drinking and had taken 11 Valium tablets before returning to the hostel that night.

The court heard the prognosis for the 48-year-old victim is still unclear, as he requires further treatment.

Reading from his impact statement, he said he has “withdrawn himself” largely to his room, only rarely venturing out, if accompanied.

Mr Towers said Williams’ record of 25 convictions includes a four-year sentence for arson of a Probation Office.

The 23-year-old, formerly of Eldon, near Bishop Auckland, admitted wounding with intent, criminal damage and possessing a knife in public.

Stephen Rich, mitigating, said the defendant “wished to express great remorse” for his actions.

“Whatever absurd notion was in his mind that night, it’s not an on-going grievance.

“He’s very sorry and realises he deserves to be punished.”

Judge Christopher Prince said he considers Williams poses a risk to the public of committing further serious offences.

The judge said he targeted a “vulnerable” man alone in his room, adding it was “despicable” to then cause such damage to a property provided by a charity which offered him accommodation.

Under the terms of the sentence, Williams must serve seven years behind bars before he can be considered for parole.