A MAN under the influence of drink and drugs launched a savage knife attack on a friend who had invited him back to his Consett flat.

Michael Watson was jailed for four years, after Durham Crown Court was told that the injuries inflicted could have proved fatal.

Watson, 26, met his victim as they both made their way home to the Delves Lane area, on leaving a town centre night spot, in June.

Julie Clemitson, prosecuting, said the victim, a man in his twenties, invited Watson for a drink at the flat he shared with his girlfriend.

Some time later Watson went into the kitchen for a drink and emerged carrying a knife. He approached his host, telling him: "You're going to meet Satan the Devil tonight".

Initially the man thought it was a joke, but then Watson lunged at him, stabbing his left shoulder, saying: "You're going to die".

The terrified victim suffered several further stab wounds, to the chest, abdomen, arm and leg, despite trying to fend off the blows. It was only when his girlfriend awoke due to his screams and came into the room, that he was able to break free and jump to his feet, telling her: "He's crazy, get him away from me."

The emergency services were called and Watson sat, "strangely quiet", until police arrived to arrest him, said Miss Clemitson.

Watson told police he could only remember being involved in a struggle, but had no other recollection of events.

His victim spent three days in hospital receiving treatment for multiple stab wounds, one of which a pathologist said could have proved fatal.

Don MacFaul, for Watson, said there was no pre-meditation and he remains confused why the "spontaneous" action arose.

Watson, of Lambton Avenue, Delves Lane, admitted wounding with intent.

Jailing him, Recorder Rodney Jameson QC said it was a troubling case, committed after he had "drunk to excess" and taken Ecstasy tablets.