A man has been jailed for 12 years for a "horrific and terrible" stabbing which left his victim fighting for his life.

Adam John Anthony Williamson (21) knifed his victim in the chest and back – leaving the man with life-threatening wounds, a court heard.

The two men had clashed during a private party at the 1852 pub, in South Wigston ,on Saturday, August 16 last year.

Williamson punched the man several times before he was thrown out. He then travelled to Tansley Avenue, Wigston, to wait for his victim.

When the man returned by taxi with a female friend at 2am the following morning, Williamson threatened him with a knife before stabbing him in the chest and back.

The injured man was taken to hospital and spent six days in intensive care. He has since made a full recovery.

Leicestershire police have praised him for the "great strength" he had shown throughout the court proceedings.

Police released a photograph of Williamson and warned that people convicted of violent crimes involving knives would face swift justice.

Detective Constable Pete Watson, a member of the police team which brought Williamson to justice, said: "This was a horrific and terrible attack.

"The victim has shown great strength throughout the whole judicial process and I hope that he can now move on knowing Williamson is behind bars.

"Knife crime in Leicestershire is rare, but whatever the circumstances, anyone found carrying a knife or injuring someone with a knife can expect to be put before the courts and face lengthy custodial sentences.

"I would like to pay tribute and to express my sincere thanks to the investigation team for their hard work and professionalism and thank all of the witnesses who gave evidence in this case."

Williamson, of Devonshire Avenue, Wigston, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm yesterday at Nottingham Crown Court, where a judge jailed him for 12 years.

Residents in Tansley Avenue told the Leicester Mercury at the time they heard shouting and screaming in the street.

The area was cordoned off for several hours as police began their investigation into the attack.

One resident said: "Bad things do happen in South Wigston, but for it to actually happen down your street is different."