A man was stabbed three times in the neck in a revenge attack after an altercation got out of hand.

Lee Milne, 31, was sentenced to six years in jail at Swindon Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm.

Earlier this year, at around 3pm on July 24, Milne was involved in an altercation with his victim - a man in his 30s - at the Parade, during which he was verbally abusive to the man's partner. 

Swindon Advertiser: Police forensics at the scene of a Swindon stabbing earlier this yearPolice forensics at the scene of a Swindon stabbing earlier this year (Image: Newsquest)

After walking away from the area, Milne returned with a broken glass bottle on the hunt for his victim.

A previous court hearing was told how he shouted "come on then" after the victim returned to the scene to search for his necklace, which was missing, and used the glass bottle to stab him three times in the neck.

He fled the scene but was identified as the suspect shortly after and arrested by officers.

He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment with a further four years on licence when released.

Det Con Alex Doughty said: “This was an intentional revenge attack by Milne, after claiming to have been bullied by the victim during the initial altercation. After removing himself from the area, he felt compelled to return and intentionally inflict serious harm to the victim, leaving him with a 7 cm long and 5 cm deep wound to the side of his neck.

“Milne is clearly a danger to the public and I am pleased he has received a substantial custodial sentence.

“Violence of this nature is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. His action’s caused concern and upset amongst the local community and I hope this case provides reassurance to members of the public who may have witnessed this disorder, that we will do everything in our power to put offenders before the courts.”

Swindon Advertiser: A forensic officer combing the scene of a Swindon town centre stabbingA forensic officer combing the scene of a Swindon town centre stabbing (Image: Newsquest)

The incident sparked concern at the time with police officers carrying out a thorough and full search of the area and the crime scene itself, near the seating area outside Costa Coffee, remained cordoned off with forensic officers combing it well into the evening.

At the time Detective Inspector Rachel Hardy, from Swindon CID, issued a statement to reassure members of the public.

She said: "I know this incident will have caused concern amongst the local community, particularly given that it occurred during a busy Sunday afternoon in the town centre.

"I am pleased to report that we have made a swift arrest and now have a suspect in custody."