A WORKINGTON householder suffered knife wounds as he confronted a stranger who was interfering with his car.

Victim Dean Plenty suffered injuries to his hand and arm after he challenged Jordan McDowell, who was crouching down next to his car with a “yellow implement” of some kind, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

In the struggle that followed, McDowell lashed out with the knife, causing puncture wounds and a number of slash wounds to Mr Plenty’s arm.

McDowell, 27, of Eskdale Street, Workington, pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in public without authority, criminal damage, and wounding.

Gerard Rogerson, prosecuting, described how Mr Plenty had been at his Pilgrim Street home on the evening Sunday May 5 when he heard noises outside. When he went outside to investigate, he was confronted by the sight of McDowell crouching next to his car.

“He shouted at Mr McDowell, saying ‘What are you doing’,” said Mr Rogerson. Mr Plenty also grabbed him and it was at this point that the defendant lashed out with the knife.

McDowell ran off but police looked for him, using a tracker dog to locate him. When he was found, he gave himself up, rolling out from under a bush and announcing to the officers: “I’ve got a knife”.

The attack left Mr Plenty nervous, and worried about his car, said Mr Rogerson.

Jamie Baxter, for McDowell, said: “He was all over the place: it was clearly the result of a concoction of drink and drugs and mental health issues.”

Recorder Mark Ainsworth told the defendant: “Nobody should be assaulted in this violent and unacceptable way.

“You were interfering with his vehicle and he stepped out to try to stop you and was met with unprovoked violence.

“One can only imagine the distress and the pain he suffered.”

The injuries sustained by Mr Plenty - though painful and unpleasant - were thankfully not more serious, said the judge. Recorder Ainsworth pointed out that other knife cases that have come before the courts have involve serious injury or event death.

Such cases were a concern for the public.

The judge imposed a 16-month jail term but he suspended it for 18 months. In addition, McDowell must complete 20 days of rehabilitation and a three month 9pm to 6am curfew. The judge voiced his hope that the recent birth of the defendant’s baby daughter may prove to be a stabilising factor in the defendant’s life.