AN Eastleigh man suffered a potential life-threatening injury when he was stabbed in the right thigh in a drugs deal, Southampton Crown Court heard.

David Humby had arranged to meet heroin supplier Mohammed Miah near a Portswood pub, but as he got out of a car with £25 to pay for the deal, the teenager became abusive towards him.

Prosecutor Roderick Blain said that 18-year-old Miah suddenly produced a kitchen knife and stabbed Mr Humby.

The teenager then lunged at him again but missed.

Mr Humby lost a lot of blood.

Other people tried to keep him talking but Mr Humby said that he wanted to go to sleep and was feeling cold.

He was rushed to Southampton General Hospital where an artery and vein were repaired.

Miah was arrested the following day after another incident when police saw him throw a knife to the ground.

Miah, of Kentish Town, London, admitted wounding with intent, possessing a bladed article and being concerned in an offer to supply heroin, and was jailed for six years.

In mitigation, Charles Gabb said Miah was learning about life the hard way but the lessons were beginning to sink in.