'A high risk to members of the public': Violent criminal slashed victim in the face with Stanley knife during street fight in Belle Isle

Scott Lambert was given an extended prison sentence after a court heard how he threatened to kill his victim during the attack in Belle Isle.

Leeds Crown Court heard the victim need 22 stitches to a slash wound which narrowly missed his eye during the incident.

Lambert, 36, had been drinking and taking drugs before the attack which took place on Newhall Road, Belle Isle,

Lorena Veale, prosecuting, said Lambert met the man through a mutual friend but they fell out as all three men were sharing a taxi.

The court heard Lambert goaded the victim into an argument before the taxi stopped and the defendant and the victim got out.

The two men began fighting and a member of the public out dog walking saw Lambert punch the victim and make a slashing motion towards him.

The defendant shouted threats that he was going to stab and kill the victim.

He also tried to bite the victim as he was on the ground.

The court heard the slash wound missed the victim's eye by just eight millimetres

He also suffered slash injuries to his hand.

The defendant was interviewed about the incident and claimed he had not deliberately taken the weapon with him.

Lambert said he had left the weapon in his pocket after work and had taken it out with him by mistake.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl QC, rejected the explanation when he sentenced Lambert.

Lambert, of Hillthorpe Court, Middleton, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.

Shila Whitehead, mitigating, asked that Lambert be given credit for his early guilty pleas.

Ms Whitehead said Lambert had developed an addiction to painkillers since the age of 29 after he suffered injuries when he was attacked by a dog.

The barrister said Lambert planned to seek help for his drug and alcohol problems while in custody.

Judge Kearl imposed the extended sent after telling Lambert he considered him to pose a serious risk to the public.

Lambert must serve a custodial term of nine years and four months, of which he must serve two thirds in custody.

He must also serve a further four years on licence.