A man was in jail today for attacking another man with a knife.

A court heard yesterday Stephen Loudon forced his way into a Clacton flat before using the weapon on Craig Mallett, who was left with cuts to his head, arms and hands after the attack, on January 13.

Loudon, 23, had gone to the flat in the town's Agate Road after a woman he knew had received a text message,Chelmsford Crown Court heard.

He went to the Moon and Starfish pub and drank ten pints of strong lager before going to the flat where Mr Mallett lived, Gerard Pounder, prosecuting, said.

When he got there, he forced his way through a door and began attacking Mr Mallett with a knife, the court was told.

Mr Mallett received cuts during the incident, including a nasty cut to his left ear, Mr Pounder said.

Louden, of Oakley Road, Clacton, admitted a charge of grevious bodily harm when he appeared in court, and was jailed for four years.

Matthew Bagnall, mitigating, said Loudon regretted what he had done.

He added: "The sight of blood made him come to his senses.

"He is extremely remorseful for his actions and, if he could turn back time, he would not have behaved so disgracefully."

He also told the court Loudon had taken positive steps to change his behaviour.