A MAN “saw red” in a row over his drug-taking, went into his home and returned with a knife before stabbing his brother-in-law in the stomach, a court heard.

Nathan Richardson immediately owned up to police arriving at the scene, in Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, late on September 3, telling officers: “Sorry lads, I’ve seriously f***ed up here.”

The 21-year-old warehouse worker, of Tennyson Road, Pelton Fell, admitted wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.

Durham Crown Court heard Richardson, of previous good character, had taken alcohol and cocaine earlier that evening and was also under the influence of cannabis and amphetamines at the time of the incident.

Sam Faulks, prosecuting said Richardson’s brother-in-law told him he needed to get his drug misuse “sorted”, when they crossed paths earlier in Chester-le-Street.

When both later returned to Pelton Fell a row developed and the brother-in-law, a serving soldier, made a disparaging remark to Richardson’s mother.

Mr Faulks said Richardson snapped, went into the house and returned with the kitchen knife, inflicting the blow.

The court heard the victim, the partner of Richardson’s sister, felt intense pain and went to the ground, suffering heavy blood loss.

He was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary suffering a deep wound which damaged internal organs and blood vessels. He was discharged three days later.

The court was told it has had a significant impact on his life and his career was put on hold as he missed a potential promotion interview.

Ayesha Smart, for Richardson, said he was “young and immature,” and, “saw red” at the remark made to his mother.

Jailing him for six years and eight months, Judge Simon Hickey told Richardson his “impulsive” action has had, “a massive impact,” on the victim.