AN ex-soldier who knifed a man leaving him in need of surgery has been jailed for almost seven years.

Ricky Walling, 27, had not long been out of prison when he attacked Jarostow Warzalik outside the Crunchy Chicken takeaway in Barnoldswick last November.

The defendant, who had leapt over the shop counter to get the knife from the kitchen, later claimed he had been acting in self defence, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Walling's friend had been dragged outside and assaulted, but was safely back inside the premises by the time the defendant had armed himself with the knife.

Mr Warzalik suffered two serious wounds which revealed part of his intestine and was bleeding heavily when police arrived.

The fracas was captured on CCTV.

Walling, of Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick, admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Sentencing him, Judge Beverley Lunt said the injuries could so easily have been fatal.

She told the defendant, who had just served two years for two muggings and was still on licence when he struck, that the only possible explanation was drink.

She added that Walling was a very different man from the one described in his Certificate of Service when he was honourably discharged from the army in 2001.

The judge added: "But that is the man you have chosen to become."

Walling was sentenced to six years in jail, to be served after the 240 day unexpired portion of his last sentence.

Katie Price, prosecuting, said Walling and a man named Oliver Metcalfe had gone into the takeaway, but about nine men outside were making threatening gestures towards them.

Mr Metcalfe jumped over the counter and Walling shouted to get a knife, but he refused.

The group of men left, but when Walling and Mr Metcalfe went outside they were chased back in. Mr Metcalfe slipped and was attacked, but he broke free and went back into the shop.

Walling was shown on video leaping over the counter and getting the knife.

Miss Price said there was more trouble, during which Walling stabbed Mr Warzalik. The knife was later found in undergrowth.

The defendant was arrested and admitted the stabbing, but claimed self defence. Mr Metcalfe was released without charge.

Anthony Cross, for Walling, said the defendant's former commanding officer had described him as a loyal, hard-working, dependable and professional soldier who would undoubtedly be a loss to the Army. Walling's descent into the abyss began on his discharge from the Army.

Mr Cross said the defendant lost control of his senses after too much drink. Alcohol would seem to be the root cause of his problems, he added.