A MAN who stabbed a 16-year-old boy has walked free from court.

Shaun Hennessy, now 21, who knifed the victim in the side after the teenager had armed himself with the weapon, had decided to teach him a lesson, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Hennessy had been facing jail after the attack nearly two years ago.

The defendant, of Griffin Close, Burnley, had admitted wounding. He received 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, with 12 months’ supervision.

He must pay £150 costs.

Adam Watkins, prosecuting, said the 16-year-old had refused to co-operate in the case.

At about 4.40am on February 15, last year, he had been at a house in Burnley drinking and chatting and he and the defendant fell out.

Hennessy punched the victim but the pair shook hands and carried on drinking.

A witness told how the teenager’s mood changed and he armed himself with a small kitchen knife for protection.

The defendant was angry the boy had had the temerity to get the knife and decided to teach him a lesson.

Mark Stuart, for Hennessy, said the injuries were not severe.