A MAN who was almost killed when he was stabbed on New Year’s Day was dealing hard drugs at the time of the attack.

Christopher Cox had been peddling cocaine and other drugs for two weeks before he was assaulted by a jealous love rival, Swindon Crown Court heard.

The 44-year-old is now facing the prospect of a lengthy jail term.

Cox, of Beaulieu Close, Toothill, admitted five counts of possessing drugs with intent to supply, five of supply and one of acquiring criminal property.

He admitted having cocaine, amphetamines, two forms of cannabis and the stimulant benzylpiperazine between New Year’s Eve and January 3 this year. The supply charges relate to the same five drugs between December 17 and January 3.

During the same he admitted acquiring £3,000 in cash, which was criminal property.

Michael Butt, defending, said his client was making good progress from his injuries and was set to undergo another operation soon.

Mr Butt said his client ‘is liable for a lengthy period of imprisonment’ as a result of the offences and his previous convictions.

He asked for sentencing to be deferred so he can undergo the surgery which will have a substantial recovery period.

Judge Douglas Field adjourned the case to August 20 but said the date could be altered depending on the timing of the operation and recuperation. He asked the probation service to compile a pre-sentence report.

Cox had been to a New Year’s Eve party when he got over-friendly with 39-year-old Michael Ashmore’s girlfriend.

She went home and told her partner and he stormed off to confront Cox who was stabbed in the abdomen when he answered the door.

Last month Ashmore, of Hatherop Road, Fairford, was jailed for life after he admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.