A man called 999 after stabbing his friend with a knife after dinner.
Paul Rimmer, 49, of Alder Crescent in Kirkby, had been out drinking with his friend Peter Moreton on June 22, 2021 when he was invited back to his home for dinner. But as Mr Moreton was "concerned" about his friend throughout the evening, an "altercation" soon occurred between the two.
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday that there had been "shouting" before a scuffle and Mr Moreton "punched" Rimmer. But Rimmer then grabbed hold of a knife that had been on the dinner table and "stabbed Mr Moreton in the abdomen".
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In a victim personal statement read out to the court, Mr Moreton said he has suffered financially, mentally and physically as a result of the incident - which left him with a punctured lung requiring surgery. The court heard how his relationship with his partner has also "suffered" due to arguments and he has become "short tempered".
The statement added: "I've known Paul for four years, I've always had to help him. Since this, I no longer want anything to do with him, I trusted him and he's thrown it all back in my face with what he has done to me."
Mr Moreton's statement went on to say he required time off sick in work, not returning until around February 2022, and no longer has a social life, being looked after by his family.
Defence counsel Nick Cockerill said Rimmer "remains remorseful" and has throughout his life suffered with "serious alcohol issues". He added the incident occurred "some time ago", and the 49-year-old has since made efforts to address his alcohol issues, which "need to be for life".
He said: "He was a hardworking man until his health got the better of him five years ago."
Miss Recorder Nicola Daley said Rimmer had previously pleaded guilty to unlawfully and maliciously wounding his friend. She said: "You were drunk, but so was your friend. He invited you to his house and have dinner with him and his partner.
"What occurred thereafter, regardless of plea, is completely unacceptable, but you know that."
She added it was Rimmer who "picked up the knife from the table and used it to stab your friend in the stomach", but afterwards called 999. Recorder Daley said: "You knew you had done wrong, you didn't leave, you called the police."
Addressing Rimmer in the dock, who appeared visibly upset, she added that "unlike others who appear before the court", the 49-year-old did not try to minimalise his actions as she said: "I'm willing to give you a chance."
Rimmer was handed a two year custodial sentence that was suspended for two years. He also has to complete an alcohol monitoring requirement for 120 days as well as a rehabilitation requirement for 30 days and was given a restraining order for five years.
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