Father in knife attack on his girl's boyfriend

A father who slashed his daughter's boyfriend across the chest four times during a row at a house in Wolverhampton has been spared a prison sentence.

John Evans took a kitchen knife to confront David Reagan because he knew the other person was younger, stronger and more aggressive, said David Swinnerton, defending. The 58-year-old cut Mr Reagan after pulling out the weapon when floored by the other man, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told yesterday.

Evans immediately apologised for what had happened, and later told police: "My mind went blank."

Mr Reagan needed 12 stitches in his wounds, but was reluctant to make a formal complaint to police about the incident, said Stephen Bailey, prosecuting.

Evans was sharing a house with his ex-wife and their daughter lived next door with Mr Reagan when the pair clashed in Woodside Avenue, Ashmore Park, 12 months ago.

Mr Bailey said: "The daughter complained about Mr Reagan and her mother went round to resolve the issue. When she had not returned 20 minutes later, Evans became concerned and went round to investigate, taking the kitchen knife with him.

"He was flung to the floor by Mr Reagan. Evans then pulled out the knife and behaved recklessly with it, causing injuries."

Evans admitted wounding and possessing the knife and was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years. Judge Helen Hughes also ordered him to pay £500 compensation and £1,000 costs.