A MAN slashed a delivery driver in a daylight attack in a Southampton street.

The victim was delivering to an address in Foundry Lane, Shirley, when Samuel Wheeler attacked him with a knife.

Having been left in a serious condition with a deep laceration to his and chest and legs, as well as cuts to his hands, the victim was forced to take time off work.

Ultimately he was unable to continue his job with DPD.

When the victim was found, a member of the public called 999 to notify the emergency services and help the driver.

Since the incident, the victim described how he lost his job as a result of the incident and that “it plays on my mind everyday”.

At Southampton Crown Court, 20-year-old Wheeler was jailed after admitting grievous bodily harm with intent on the first day of his trial, which began last month.

At the time of the incident, Hampshire Constabulary cordoned off the scene and described the 38-year-old male’s condition as serious but not life-threatening.

It happened at around 11.15am on January 17 this year.

Once Wheeler, originally from Edward Road, Southampton was arrested, police interviewed him, during which he answered no comment to questions provided.

In an impact statement, the victim said: “The assault has had a massive impact on my life and although the injuries are healing well, the wound to my right thigh has not.

“The injury caused constant pain and I was unable to exercise due to the pain. With regards to my job, I had to take time off because of the injuries.

“The incident plays on my mind everyday and I am unable to sleep at night because I wake up.

“I lost my job through this incident, which took me several years to obtain.

“This has resulted in a loss of income.”

Wheeler, of Commercial Road, Hayle, Cornwall, was sentenced to five years imprisonment.