A MAN who slashed his victim in a daylight attack has been deemed a serious threat to public safety.

Kevin James aimed a craft knife at Jeffery Long on November 16, 2016, attacking his victim's throat after the two had an altercation the previous day.

The 25 year old, who went to The Polygon School, also slashed at the victim's coat as he confronted Mr Long in Steventon Road, Harefield at around 2.50pm.

Southampton Crown Court heard that Long described the argument as "very minor" and said that he "only knew James by face".

Judge Christopher Parker QC told the court: "James had in his pocket a craft knife and whether or not he was lying in waiting for Mr Long, he came out and attacked him with that craft knife.

"He slashed and attacked Mr Long's forehead and continued to cut his jacket and penetrate him elsewhere with the knife."

James denied the wounding with intent charge but was found guilty during his trial. He did plead guilty to possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Judge Parker found that due to James' unwillingness to accept his guilt and his actions against Mr Long, he was a serious threat to the public.

The court heard that James was also previously convicted for possessing a samurai sword in a public place when he was 18 years old and in drink.

Mitigating, Rebecca Fairburn told the court that James had severe mental health problems and had suffered with depression throughout his life.

She said James had "slipped through the net" of care as his mental health deteriorated.

In sentencing, Judge Parker said: "Your responsibility in this was great. You carried out this attack with this weapon which can cause devastating injuries - they can kill."

James, of Whitehill Close, Harefield, was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment and given an extended license of five years.

He will serve at least three years before he is eligible for release.