Sunderland man stabbed best friend with steak knife in 'sad case'

An attacker who stabbed his "best friend" when he repeatedly swung a knife during a row has been put behind bars.

Ryan Frater and his victim had been drinking together before they went to the home of a third man in Sunderland, in August.

Newcastle Crown Court heard an argument broke out and Frater armed himself with a steak knife which had a five-inch blade.

While repeatedly "swinging" the weapon, Frater caused a stab wound to the victim's lower back and scratches to his stomach and face.

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw told the court the men had been pals since they were children and the victim considered Frater to be his "best friend" before the attack.

Mr Wardlaw told the court: "The defendant advanced towards the complainant, swinging the knife in a stabbing motion. It made the complainant fear he was going to be stabbed.

"The complainant attempted to move away however, due to the repeated swinging of the knife by the defendant, he sustained a stab wound to his lower back."

The court heard the victim also had scratches to his stomach and face from the blade.

Mr Wardlaw added: "The complainant attempted to calm the defendant down however he was unsuccessful, the defendant continued to be aggressive, saying the complainant would die before he was able to flee the address."

Frater, 32, of Aiskell Street, Sunderland, admitted wounding, threatening with a bladed article and assault on an emergency worker relating to an earlier attack on a police officer, who he spat at and threatened.

Judge Gavin Doig sentenced him to a total of 28 months behind bars.

The judge said it was a "sad feature" of the case that the men were formerly close and told Frater: "You say you regret what happened and I am sure you do.

"You do currently represent a risk or danger to the public."

Jane Waugh, defending, said Frater has made good use of his time on remand and is "highly regarded" by those in charge of him.

Miss Waugh added: "He is polite and respectful and gets on well with his peers."

The court heard Frater had always considered the victim to be a friend and they may be again, in time.