An Erith man who sliced his friend's face open with a Stanley knife in a row over cigarette papers has been jailed for six years.

Paul Early, 38, of Boundary Street, stabbed Lee McCarthy, 35, in the face on November 1 last year.

The attack left his victim permanently disfigured, with irreversible nerve damage.

Inner London Crown Court heard today (March 6) that Early, had been at Mr McCarthy's home celebrating his girlfriend's birthday with friends when arguments erupted between the group.

Prosecutor, Mr Edward Lewis told the court they had then left the house to carry on the celebrations elsewhere when Early asked Mr McCarthy for a Rizla paper.

Early claimed that the papers belonged to him and another argument broke out between the two men.

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Mr McCarthy and his girlfriend went into the Tesco Express store on Boundary Road and left thinking Early had disappeared but saw him walking towards them them.

The argument continued and Early pulled out a Stanley knife, saying to to Mr McCarthy: "I'll cut you."

Early's victim threw a punch at his attacker and grabbed onto his clothes in a bid to stop him.

Mr McCarthy told police that he felt 'something cold cutting through his cheek' and realised Early had 'sliced' him before running off.

Mr Ellis said: "This was an attack which left Mr McCarthy disfigured for life.

"His face was cut from his ear to his chin, destroying his nerves and salivary glands and resulting in at least 35 stitches."

Sentencing Early to six years in prison Judge Seed QC said: "This is a classic example of what happens when people carry knives.

"Not only did you stick it into him, you sliced his face.

"Mr McCarthy's injuries are truly horrific and he will never be the same again."

Early pleaded guilty to GBH and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place at Inner London Crown Court on February 13.

He was sentenced to six years in prison for GBH and 12 months in prison for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

The sentences will run concurrently.