A MAN given a chance to prove he could stay out of trouble has been given a suspended prison sentence for stabbing a man in the leg.

In February Judge Timothy Stead deferred sentencing Adam Brough after hearing how he had drug and mental health problems but was seeking help.

At Bolton Crown Court, the judge heard how 33-year-old Brough has kept his promise to reform and so an immediate prison sentence was avoided.

Standing in the dock, wearing a face mask, Brough was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years and ordered to participate in drug rehabilitation for six months plus 25 days of rehabilitation activities.

"This is your chance. Keep up the good work," Judge Stead told him.

The court previously heard how Brough had stabbed his friend’s relative in the leg after he was accused of stealing a mobile phone.

On April 6 last year Brough had gone to take drugs at Lindsay Smith’s Farnworth home where Anthony Mathews was also staying.

"Whilst at the house Mr Brough spoke to Mr Matthews and said he had been in a fight, he had been beaten up and he was seen to have a kitchen knife on him with a silver blade," said Claire Brocklebank, prosecuting

While Mr Mathews has a shower, Brough sneaked into his bedroom and stole his mobile phone, worth £120.

"Once Mr Mathews realised his phone was missing he got dressed, came downstairs and both himself and Mr Smith confronted the defendant, essentially accusing him of taking the phone and asking for it back," said Miss Brocklebank. "He denied having it and is described as being aggressive and 'kicking off'. The defendant picked up the same knife he had been seen with and lunged towards Mr Mathews and stabbed him once to his calf."

Brough swung the knife again, but his victim backed away and was not injured.

"In the end Lindsay Smith intervened and pushed the defendant out of the house into the garden, took Mr Matthews into the house and locked the doors," said Miss Brocklebank.

Later Brough was captured on CCTV showing the stolen phone to other people and a neighbour spotted the knife when he lifted his shirt.

Mr Mathews suffered a 1.5cm cut to his leg and Brough, of Gorton Street, Farnworth, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm, possessing and knife and theft.