A GOLBORNE man has been jailed for six years after stabbing his brother in the neck with a diving knife, it has emerged.

Andrew Ashcroft, 44, bled to death in his sleep after he went to bed not realising the seriousness of his injuries following a fight with his younger brother Timothy, 38.

Timothy Ashcroft, of High Street, Golborne, was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to a charge of manslaughter following the attack on February 10 this year.

The court heard the pair shared a flat and had a history of violence and alcohol abuse.

Andrew's body was discovered by his brother in the early hours of the following morning and the police were called to the scene where Timothy was arrested.

Detective Sergeant Gary Ashurst from Leigh CID said: "What happened between Timothy and his brother that night was a tragic incident which has left their family absolutely devastated.

"Having been drinking throughout the evening neither of the brothers realised the consequences of the attack and both Timothy and Andrew went to bed oblivious of the seriousness of Andrew's injury.

"Today is a very sad day for the family who feel they have lost not only one son, but two."