A UWE student slashed a fellow student he accused of calling him 'gay', a court heard,
Daniel Rudd was suffering from a mental health condition when he had the bust-up with Mohammed Ghalib in a hall of residence.
Rudd, 21, of Surrey, pleaded guilty to wounding on February 21.
Read more: Prisoner wants to go to jail for a long time
Judge Martin Picton stressed that, at the time, Rudd was suffering from schizophrenia.
The handed him a 12-month jail term suspended for 18 months.
He told Rudd: "What started out as an argument developed into an extremely dangerous situation where you were wielding a very large knife in a very aggressive way.
"You could have killed someone."
The judge handed Rudd a mental health treatment programme with rehabilitation.
He was ordered to pay £500 compensation and a £100 fine for just being in breach of a previously suspended sentence.
Chloe Griggs, prosecution, said an argument flared between Rudd and Mr Ghalib.
She told Bristol Crown Court: "Mr Rudd accused Mr Ghalib of calling him gay.
"Mr Rudd made a reference to a weapon and Mr Ghalib saw him raise his arm and reach into his coat as if to take out a weapon."
The court heard a commotion followed which was broken up.
But Rudd then told Mr Ghalib to follow him to his room so they could "sort it out".
Miss Griggs said: "Mr Rudd entered the flat alone and Mr Ghalib waited in the corridor.
"Mr Rudd came out and ran towards him holding a knife."
The court heard in a tussle that ensued Rudd swung the blade at Mr Ghalib but missed.
When Mr Ghalib ran off he realised his hand had been cut.
Rudd had a previous conviction for possessing a knife, the court was told.
Giles Nelson, defending, said there was a degree of provocation at a time when his client was suffering from a mental health disorder.
He said: "There have been no problems whatsoever since."
