A VIOLENT thug who stabbed his “best friend” in a drug-fuelled attack outside a popular pub has been jailed for 12 years.

Stuart Bowdler, 36, of Beresford Road, Southend subjected friend Jack Macbeath to the sustained attack outside Ye Olde Smack in High Street, Leigh, Basildon Crown Court heard yesterday.

The court heard how the victim was left housebound and with wounds that could easily have been fatal.

Bowdler, who chose to represent himself, told the court: “I do not know what happened that night.

“I was heavily on drugs but understand I was found guilty.

“I cannot admit to knowing what happened as I didn’t know I was there.

“This is not me, I have never been involved in violence like this before.”

Rebecca Nieto, prosecuting, said: “As they were walking to the pub he stabbed his friend for no reason in an unprovoked attack several times causing serious injury.

“The aggravating features including that it was a sustained attack and was particularly viscous and must have been with some serious force.

“There were also attempts to hide the weapon and clothes were left in a boatyard, the weapon was not recovered.

“The victim impact statement says the incident had impacted the entire life of him.

“It has stopped him from able to function and work.

“It has caused some serious psychological harm.

“He suffered multiple stab wounds which could have easily been fatal.

“Although there has been no similar offending, it was a bazaar and unprovoked attack.

“The victim describes Bowdler as his best friend and there was no argument or ill feeling.

“Whether there is some mental health issue we do not know.”

Mr Macbeath, was stabbed up to ten times outside Ye Olde Smack while on a night out on January 12 this year.

Bowdler was convicted with the jury returning a unanimous verdict earlier this year.

Judge John Lodge said: “In this case I have to sentence you for wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

“You and an old friend had gone to some pubs in Leigh and as you were walking together when you started a sustained stabbing attack causing wounds.

“I share the view this was a sustained and repeated assault.

“I sentence you to 12 years in custody.”