A THUG from Ramsbottom ran over a man then got out of his vehicle to stab him – resulting in injuries so horrific the man had to have his leg amputated.

Christopher Foster’s ‘needless’ attack on Steven Parsonage stemmed from an argument involving the defendant’s ex-girlfriend, a friend of the victim, Preston Crown Court heard.

And despite the row being resolved, Foster decided to seek revenge upon Mr Parsonage by attacking him in Snowden Avenue, Blackburn.

Prosecuting, Francis McEntee said the defendant used his van as a weapon, ramming it into his victim and pinning him up against a wall.

He then got out of his vehicle with a knife and stabbed his victim in his already crushed leg.

Parsonage was later tracked down by police on the motorway. The incident, which took place in the early hours of May 15, was recorded by several neighbours who were woken by screaming and shouting.

The court heard Mr Parsonage had to have his leg amputated below the knee. He was left ‘incredibly depressed’ and suffers nightmares and phantom pains.

Defending Foster, of Holt Street West, who has long-standing drink and drug issues, Imran Shafi said his client was ‘deeply remorseful’.

Foster was jailed for 11 years with four years extended licence. He was also disqualified from driving for 16 years.