A man stabbed his friend of more than 15 years because he believed he owed him money, a court has heard.
Douglas William Binnie, 31, appeared in the Invercargill District Court last week after pleading guilty to wounding with reckless disregard, one charge of burglary and one of wilful damage.
On April 30, the intoxicated defendant went to his friend’s house and banged on the door.
When the victim answered, Binnie walked inside without permission and took the keys to the victim’s Ford vehicle.
He then attempted to punch the victim and said he was going to steal his car.
As the victim got closer to Binnie, Binnie pulled out a knife and waved it about.
The defendant smashed the window of a Honda and took a battery from inside.
He then fled the scene on foot.
Police arrived and applied a tourniquet to the victim’s arm to stop the bleeding.
The court heard Binnie had a history of violence.
Binnie said alcohol was to blame for his behaviour that night.
He believed the man owed him money for repair work he had done.
The court heard he also had a methamphetamine addiction, but had not used it on the day of the offending.
Counsel Scott Williamson said the man had no bail address, which showed a "complete lack of support and structure" in his life.
"I believe that your addiction has led directly to your behaviour on this occasion," Judge Russell Walker said.
"You need to get your addiction sorted out, because that’s the reason why you’re standing here today."
He sentenced Binnie to 22 months’ imprisonment, with leave to apply for home detention.
