A MAN has been jailed after stabbing another man "in jealousy" following a row with his ex-partner.

Charlie Court-Smithers, from Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty to stabbing the man at the home of his ex-partner in Ferryhill.

Durham Crown Court heard the 24-year-old had been drinking at The Post Boy, in Ferryhill, and had had a fight with his ex-partner over what she was wearing on the evening of Saturday, October 13, last year.

The Northern Echo:

Charlie Court-Smithers and his victim had both been drinking at The Post Boy in Ferryhill before the incident

He then became involved in an altercation with another man, who was also drinking at the pub and had intervened when he heard Court-Smithers being abusive towards the woman.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said after the fight ended, the victim and woman had gone back to her home, to discover the defendant was already there, and had armed himself with a 20cm kitchen knife.

He said: "At that point neither knew where the defendant had gone.

"When she unlocked the front door and walked in the defendant was seen coming down the stairs.

"She describes the defendant coming down the stairs holding a knife."

The court heard Court-Smithers, of Hambleton Road, stabbed the man in the shoulder, leaving him with several wounds.

The 20-year-old victim fell onto the sofa in the living the room before fleeing the house, later collapsing in the street. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

The court heard he had lost his job as a result and was having problems sleeping.

Mr Dryden added: "He says he has lost his job because he couldn't work because of his injuries.

"His parents are concerned about his welfare and he has problems sleeping because of his injuries.

"He said he gets nightmares, which he doesn't usually suffer from. He is constantly looking over his shoulder and being cautious all the time."

The defendant, who has a number of previous convictions involving violence, had denied being involved but pleaded guilty on the day he was due to stand trial.

David Callan, mitigating, told the court his client, who had been in a long-term relationship with the woman, and had previously been a heroin addict, had been motivated by jealousy.

He added: "At the age of 24 he's got a very bad record, though nothing as serious as this. But he is just 24 and he is still a young man.

"He said he wanted the court to know he was very sorry."

Judge Jonathan Carroll said: "I understand you didn't have a very easy start in life and you have my sympathy but it can't possibly excuse your entrenched attitude and readiness to which you turned to violence.

"With the toxic mix of alcohol, drugs and jealousy you are willing and able to carry out a very serious knife attack."

He was given a custodial sentence of six years and five months, with an extended three-year licence.