by Keith Hunt

A heavy drinker who stabbed a friend causing him serious liver damage has been jailed for three years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard last month how terrified Daniel Bessell ran semi-naked from Lee Charlesworth’s home covered in blood.

He needed medical treatment in hospital for six weeks.

Judge Jeremy Carey called it “a most unusual case”, as there was no apparent motive.

The two men were good friends and had worked together as window cleaners.

Mr Bessell went to visit Charlesworth, 35, at his home in Thomas Road, Sittingbourne, on the morning of May 15 last year, taking with him a box of wine.

He had a shower and Charlesworth had a bath. Afterwards, Charlesworth picked up a knife and started making slashing actions.

Without warning, he stabbed the victim in the stomach, the blade penetrating 4in. Bleeding profusely and wearing only a towel, Mr Bessell ran out of the house for help.

He was taken to hospital and treated for the single stab wound that pierced his liver.

Charlesworth was cleared of wounding with intent and convicted of the lesser charge of unlawful wounding. He denied both offences.

The jury did not know he had a previous conviction in 2001 for common assault, which involved a knife.