A man has been jailed after stabbing his friend in a chilling attack.
Paul Andrews, 62, knifed his pal in the back causing critical injuries, before driving to a nearby police station to hand himself in.
A court heard that on the afternoon of October 3, 2019, the 58-year-old victim visited his friend at Andrew's house in Chester.
As he got up from his chair to leave, the victim felt as if he had been punched in the back and fell to his knees, police said.
The victim realised he had been stabbed, Chester Crown Court heard.
As he lay injured, Andrews walked past him, out of the door and drove to a police station to hand himself in.
Emergency services attended the scene on Alder Grove in Hoole, where the victim was lying on the ground with a 30cm knife still embedded in his back.
The victim was airlifted to hospital and rushed to theatre.
Today (Tuesday), Andrews was sentenced to 18 years in prison after he was convicted of attempted murder at Chester Crown Court.
Sentencing Andrews, the Recorder of Chester, His Honour Judge Everett said his actions had left the victim a 'completely and utterly broken man.'
DCI Simon Draco said: "We still don’t know the reasons behind why Andrews stabbed his friend that day as he refused to answer any questions on interview despite our detectives’ best efforts to find out what had triggered such a violent, life-threatening incident.
"What we do know is that one single action left a man, who thought they were friends, betrayed and fighting for his life in hospital as surgeons and nurses worked to save him.
"He is still recovering from his life-changing injuries and the emotional trauma of such an incomprehensible act, but I hope seeing Andrews brought to justice will help Russell in some way.
"I am pleased to say that detectives have delivered a cogent investigation that has resulted in the incarceration of a dangerous, violent offender who has used a knife in such a terrible way."
David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: "It’s important that victims are supported throughout and get the justice they deserve. I hope the victim and his family find some solace in the sentencing and his attacker being brought to justice.
"This was a shocking act of violence and goes to show just how lethal knives can be and the impact it has on our communities.
"I truly hope the family can begin to rebuild their lives following this traumatic event."
