A MAN who stabbed a reveller in a Newport nightclub, then gave police a false name, was given a mandatory life sentence.

Judge David Morris imposed the sentence on Jayson Norkett for the stabbing as he already had a previous conviction for wounding with intent, in a Caerleon wine bar, in 2002.

The tariff for the offence was set at three and a half years in prison, and the judge also imposed four months' imprisonment for perverting the course of justice and nine months' imprisonment for handling stolen goods, to run concurrently.

Judge Morris, sitting at Newport crown court, said that if Norkett reoffended, he would be subject to being recalled to serve the remainder of the life sentence.

Norkett, aged 23, whose last known address was in the Netherton area of Liverpool, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The court heard he had been armed with a lock knife. He also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and handling a stolen Audi car.

Andrew Jones, prosecuting, told the court that the incident happened in Revolution, on June 25.

He said the victim, Phillip Summers, was dancing with some friends when a man pushed into him.

Mr Summers asked if there was a problem and then felt a second man, Norkett, punch him just below his left ribs.

Mr Jones said doormen asked Mr Summers to leave the club, and it was then he realised he had been stabbed and was bleeding.

He was given first aid at the scene and taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, where he was detained overnight.

Norkett was arrested later that night and gave officers the name Clifford Timothy Butler. When police discovered his true identity, Norkett said he had warrants out for his arrest in Liverpool and gave the wrong name so he could get bail and spend time with his girlfriend.

Hilary Roberts, defending, said Norkett had experienced a traumatic upbringing and mixed with the wrong crowd, but had admitted he needs help.

"He wants help and is anxious to accept whatever help there might be," he said.

Mr Roberts said Norkett suffered from paranoia and that his first intention had not been to cause injury to Mr Summers "but to avoid some problem that might be coming his way".