A thug who left a man with multiple injuries in a frenzied attack with a bread knife and a pizza cutter has been jailed for 13 years.
The victim was asleep in a house in Langley Park when Jamie Smith burst in in the early hours of the morning and began attacking him.
Smith threatened to kill his victim as he repeatedly punched him, before pulling the front of a wooden drawer off and hitting him over the head with it.
A woman who was also in the property tried to intervene, but was pushed away by Smith, who eventually fled the scene.
His victim needed hospital treatment for a head wound, numerous lacerations to his face and hand, bruising to his face and body, a swollen nose and a wound on his ear.
Smith was arrested shortly after the incident, which happened on May 19 last year, and was subsequently charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The 39-year-old, of Crook, denied the charge but was found guilty following a two-day trial and sentenced to 13 years behind bars.
Acting Detective Sergeant Mal Ord, from West Durham CID, said: “Smith launched a frenzied and sickening attack with weapons on the victim resulting in severe injuries.
“I hope his sentencing brings some closure to the victim who was simply staying in the house as a guest and could have never expected such an assault.
“The victim has been left with both physical and psychological injuries - he has been severely traumatised by this unprovoked attack.”
