A MAN who attacked a friend with a Samurai sword after she intervened in a domestic argument has been jailed for 12 months.

Shane Gaddass, 33, of Wath Road, Elsecar, admitted stabbing Ann Fox, 31, in the torso with the Japanese replica blade on September 22.

The court was told how a row began between Gaddas and his girlfriend Karen Oldfield when he arrived late for a gathering at her Crown Street home.

Ann was not in court but told police that when she jumped between the couple Gaddass punched her to the ground and kicked her.

Gaddass left the room and returned carrying a ‘huge’ sword which he jabbed into Ann’s stomach.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Martin told the court that Karen said “Oh he’s stabbing her” when she called police shortly before midnight.

Gaddass left the scene and disposed of the sword in a neighbour's garden but later led police to where he had hidden the weapon.

Ann was said to be heartbroken and shocked by the incident which left her needing stitches. She also sustained a bruise above her left eye and a gash to the back of the head.

The prosecution said Gaddass claimed to have no recollection of the allegations that he had punched and kicked Ann.

He argued that he had been trying to get to bed and was using the sword as a walking stick then slipped and accidentally stabbed her.

Philip Bingham, for the defence, said as soon as the dad-of-one had been released on bail he returned to work.

Mr Bingham said Gaddass had received many letters of support and added: “They all spoke of a man who is quiet, kind and well-behaved, the sort you would trust your children with.”

Judge Lawler took into account Gaddass’s guilty plea but said he had to pass a custodial sentence because ‘this was reckless behaviour in the extreme.’

He said: “It is quite clear that all of the parties on that Saturday night had taken good deal to drink. “Having said that you had the thought to hide the weapon in a nearby garden.”