A MAN who was punched by another in his home and then knocked down in the street, stabbed his assailant in the hand with a kitchen knife, a court was told.

Kyle Howells was involved in an altercation with Brendan Edwards at the former's home on June 3 this year, after confronting the latter about an argument he had with his partner in front of Howells' children.

Prosecuting counsel Gareth James told Newport Crown Court there had been a gathering at Howells' home, and after Mr Edwards' partner went home, Howells had confronted him about the argument.

"During that, he was struck by Mr Edwards and another person who was present," said Mr James.

"Mr Edwards decided to go home, but there was another altercation in the street. There was pushing and shoving, and Kyle Howells fell to the ground.

"He went back inside and picked up a kitchen knife. Mr Edwards made a run for it to his partner's house. As he closed the gate, Kyle Howells thrust out with the knife and caused a hand injury."

Afterwards, Howells drove off in his car, shouting threats at Mr Edwards as he went.

Mr Edwards went to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, but was transferred to Morriston Hospital in Swansea for specialist surgery.

When arrested, Howells, aged 29, of Greenfield Terrace, Ebbw Vale, accepted responsibility for causing the injury. At an earlier hearing, he pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful wounding.

Defending counsel David Elias said the incident giving rise to Howells' actions was not of his making.

"He was the one subjected to violence, inside and outside his home. He accepts he should have remained in his house, and accepts his wrongdoing," said Mr Elias, who added that Howells had followed Mr Edwards across the street, administering one blow with the knife before retreating.

"There was no intention to do further injury."

Mr Elias said references provided on Howells' behalf "show another side to this man."

"This was an isolated incident born out of the significant provocation he faced."

Sentencing Howells, the judge Recorder Richard Booth QC told him: "Any crime involving a knife is serious.

"Most offenders will go to prison, however I accept that on this occasion this was an aberration under considerable provocation."

Taking into account references that called Howells honest, conscientious, and a man of integrity, he warned him: "This is very much your last chance."

Howells was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years, a rehabilitation order, and a requirement to complete 150 works of unpaid work.