A PRISONER'S face was slashed with a home-made knife during a revenge attack by another inmate, a court heard.

James Mangle received a 3in to 4in long wound to his cheek in the incident, at Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution, Barnard Castle, County Durham, on January 14 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Christopher Barr, 18, attacked Mangle from behind as the inmates made their way back to their cells after an association session.

Julian Smith, prosecuting, told the court that Barr had targeted Mangle because of an earlier fight over a game of pool.

Mr Smith said: "We are concerned in this case with a revenge attack by this defendant on a fellow inmate.

"It appears the two men had had a fight in the past, a fist fight, and it may be this defendant came off the worst as a result.

"The prosecution case is the defendant either made a knife with the handle of a toothbrush and a razor blade embedded in the end of it or was given it by another person.

"This defendant came up behind Mr Mangle in the prison, put his arms over his shoulders and in one movement slashed him across the face and across the jaw with the homemade knife.

"He then made his way away from the scene. Not a word was said."

Mangle's wound was treated by a nurse who had to pull out a piece of the razor which had become embedded. His face was stitched using plastic surgery.

Barr, of Chatsworth Avenue, Jarrow, Newcastle, denies wounding with intent.

He admits unlawfully wounding Mangle but denies intending to cause him serious bodily harm.

The trial continues.