Leroy WynterA KNIFE attacker who went on the run for eight months after escaping from a psychiatric unit has been jailed for more than three years.

Leroy Wynter, 30, of Hampshire Place, Melksham, escaped from a unit in Sandlewood, Stratton, in May.

Wynter was being held after stabbing a man in Melksham days after telling his victim, 'I'm going to laugh when you're on life support'.

Judge John McNaught, at Swindon Crown Court on Friday, heard Wynter stalked Nicky Lyons before slashing him with a Stanley knife in Queensway in May, 2003, leaving him needing 30 stitches.

Paul Cook, prosecuting, said Wynter knew Mr Lyons, as he had been in a relationship with his aunt.

He said when the relationship ended Wynter appeared to hold Mr Lyons responsible.

On May 15, 2003, the men bumped into each other in Melksham. Wynter told his victim 'I'm going to cut you up'.

Mr Lyons reported the matter to police. A week later he bumped into Wynter again and hid in a shop and asked staff to call police.

Mr Cook said: "He waited there and when he could no longer see the defendant, and the police were not there, he left to go home."

Mr Lyons was walking along Queensway when Wynter jumped out with a knife. He punched him and made slashing movements, knocking Mr Lyons over, before running off.

As he got up Mr Lyons realised he had two large slash wounds to the back and one to the chest. He was taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Mr Cook said Wynter was arrested but denied any involvement in the assault.

He was remanded in custody and sent to a psychiatric hospital but escaped, and was on the run until the beginning of January.

Wynter admitted wounding with intent and escaping from custody.

Ramin Pakrooh, defending, said Wynter had been suffering pseudo-psychosis and hearing voices at the time.

Wynter also suffered delusions that people were trying to kill him, which led him to threaten others. Mr Pakrooh said Wynter knew Mr Lyons had previous convictions for possessing an offensive weapon and assault, which coupled with his delusions led to the attack.

Wynter absconded from the secure hospital as he was losing faith in the system after many court appearances.

Jailing him for three years and nine months Judge McNaught said: "This was a serious attack. You lay in wait and attacked him with a serious weapon."