THIS is the shocking moment a jealous boyfriend viciously stabbed an innocent man he mistakenly thought had been chatting up his girlfriend.

Michael Guittard, 30, of Hood Street, Accrington, was jailed for three-and-a-half years yesterday for the unprovoked attack in Blackburn's Oasis takeaway in Darwen Street in July Electrician Joseph Andrews, 25, had to undergo emergency surgery on his liver and bowel after he was set upon by Guittard in the shop doorway.

He was also slashed across the neck.

Mr Andrews had been to an 18th birthday party and then a nightclub before stopping at the takeaway on Darwen Street at around 3am.

As he stood at the service counter, he was approached by Guittard who accused him of chatting to his girlfriend, Preston Crown Court was told.

Guittard repeatedly returned, threatened Mr Andrews, and had to be pulled away by other customers.

Mr Andrews was attacked as he left the shop.

CCTV footage shows Guittard raining down six blows on Mr Andrews, who was stood in the doorway.

However, it was only when Mr Andrews returned inside that it became apparent he had been stabbed.

He complained of breathing troubles before collapsing unconscious.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Paul Withers, who led the investigation, said: "This attack horrified me to say the least.

"Mr Andrews could have been anybody out having a good time with their friends.

"Guittard approached him in a kebab shop, clearly looking for trouble.

"Mr Andrews was subjected to a horrendous attack and there is no justification for what happened.

"People who carry knives and use them will be dealt with with the full power of the law."

Mr Andrews was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital after collapsing, where he spent almost a week undergoing treatment.

Guittard was arrested the following day, greeting officers with the words: "What? Is he dead?", the court was told.

Defending, Ian Dacer said that the evening was supposed to have been a celebration for Guittard, who had just go engaged to his 18-year-old girlfriend.

Mr Dacer added that Guittard thought Mr Andrews had made lewd comments to his new fiancee.

He said: "He had been passed a knife by an associate.

"He used it clearly in a state of temper, jealousy and irritation."

Mr Dacer continued that a custodial sentence would prevent Guittard from seeing his two children, as his ex-partner was currently trying to have them adopted by her new husband.

Sentencing reformed drug addict Guittard, who has previous convictions for carrying blades, Recorder James said: "You have a willingness to use weapons and a willingness to use violence.

"Any words that may or may not have been said cannot possibly justify the repeated attack that was perpetrated.

"You refused to walk away and sought confrontation time and time again, using a weapon with a devastating effect.

"It is more through good luck than judgement on your part that Mr Andrews did not die as a result of the injuries he sustained.