A drug abuser who stabbed a man repeatedly in the head during a frenzied attack has been jailed for six years.

John Paul Darcy, 21, of Westbourne Place, Hove, pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm.

Lewes Crown Court heard yesterday how unemployed Darcy tricked his way into the home of Darren Gauld in Lansdowne Place, Hove, on January 30 last year.

Once inside, he attacked Mr Gauld with broken bottles and a knife.

Mr Gauld survived the attack but still has psychological scars.

Darcy, who on the night of the attack had been stopped by police in connection with another matter, was arrested the following day and charged with attempted murder. The charge was later reduced to GBH.

Judge David Rennie told him he had amassed a considerable criminal record given his age and added: "All of that pales into insignificance alongside the gravity of what you did to Darren Gauld.

"Without warning or provocation, you launched a vicious attack .

"A paramedic told the court the injuries to his head were the result of frenzied stabbing to his skull."

Beverley Cherrill, defending Darcy, said her client was undergoing counselling in jail for his drug and alcohol abuse and had started a computer course.