A DRUG addict slashed a perceived love rival across the face with a craft knife after getting in a fight.

Jamie Scott had spent the day drinking and smoking crack cocaine with his friend before becoming enraged when he received a phone call from a woman they had both previously been in a relationship with.

The 29-year-old initially attacked his victim with a dustpan and brush before grabbing the knife and slashing his face believing his ex-partner had been unfaithful with his friend.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the fight calmed down and the pair walked to the woman’s house but the violence quickly restarted as they brawled in the street.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said the victim managed knock his attacker down but Scott started lashing out with the craft knife causing injuries to the back of his head.

"The defendant lost his temper again," he said. "The complainant managed to take the defendant to the ground and it was then that the defendant started to slash him to his face and head."

Mr Newcombe said Scott then ran away and headed to his parents' home where he hid the knife and begged him to drive him to safety after a gang gathered outside his house looking for immediate retribution.

He said the defendant managed to flee the scene and was arrested four days after the attack, which happened in Brotton, east Cleveland, on December 14 last year.

Scott, of Cowper Road, Stockton, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, possession of a bladed article and breach of a restraining order after entering his parents' homer despite being ordered to stay away following an earlier incident.

Nicci Horton, in mitigation, said her client's problems all stem from his alcohol and drug addictions.

She added: "He is thoroughly ashamed of himself."

Judge Jonathan Carroll jailed Scott for eight years and an extended period of four years on licence.

He said the defendant had suffered 'a complete loss of control' and due to the drugs and alcohol 'exploded with anger and fury' and repeatedly slashed at his friend with the craft knife after receiving the telephone call from his former partner.