A MAN has been branded a danger to the public for stabbing his brother-in-law.

Scott Hayes has been jailed for six years for attacking Rand Moore a few days after Mr Moore allowed him to stay in his home when Hayes was released from prison.

Hayes, formerly of Philpot Avenue, Southend, stabbed his brother-in-law in the chest, but Chelmsford Crown Court heard the knife missed vital organs and Mr Moore recovered.

He was given a prison sentence for public protection and must serve at least six years before he is considered for parole. Even then he may not be released unless he can convince the authorities it is safe to do so.

Judge Christopher Ball QC told Hayes he had lost all self control on the night of the attack last December.

“This was a terrible act. You were fuelled by drink and completely lost control.

“You represent a very real danger of extremely serious harm to members of the public.”

The incident happened at the house in Colchester when there was a row between the pair which ended with both men in hospital.

The 27-year-old had denied charges of attempted murder and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on his brother in law.

He was cleared on the attempted murder charge but convicted on the second matter at an earlier trial.

On Saturday December 19 Hayes and Mr Moore started drinking and in the early hours of the following morning, there was an argument, in which Hayes stabbed Mr Moore in the chest.

The incident ended with Hayes being punched unconscious by Mr Moore who received a ten centimetre deep knife wound. Hayes also sustained a stab wound to his neck.