A MAN who was stabbed in the arm by his stepson told a judge that the teenager was “severely provoked” by him and he didn’t want him locked up.

But Ben Charnley, 18, of Sefton Terrace, Deganwy, who admitted wounding Robert Russell, aged 45, was sentenced to twelve months in custody. Caernarfon crown court heard three stitches were required.

Recorder Peter Rouch QC told the teenager :”You quite deliberately picked up the knife from the kitchen and then intentionally stabbed your stepfather. It seems you were aiming for his neck.” The victim put up his arm to ward off the blow and “fortunately” the knife caught the arm, not neck.

The judge said Charnley had ADHD and an associated problem, acted younger than his age, and the stepfather “seemed able to give as good as he got.” The prosecution said blows were “exchanged” at the family home.

Mr Russell told the court the family felt they had “failed Ben” and still loved him. “I didn’t behave in a mature and responsible manner.”