A KNIFEMAN who admitted carrying out a stabbing on New Year’s Eve in Bridport has been warned he faces a jail sentence.

Arron Peter Marshall, 22, admitted charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a knife, in Princess Road, Bridport.

His appearance at Dorchester Crown Court came in connection with a stabbing incident in Alexandra Road, in Skilling, Bridport.

Marshall, of Doctor Roberts Close, Bridport, spoke to confirm his name and enter his plea and wore a white shirt, tie, a black jacket and trousers.

He was remanded in custody and will appear before the court on April 20 to be sentenced.

Judge Rodger Jarvis told Marshall: “You have admitted two very serious offences and it’s an inevitability that you will face a custodial sentence.

“Before I decide on a sentence I want to know more about you.

“I'm ordering a presentence report and a psychiatric report.”

On the afternoon of December 31, a 36-year-old man was stabbed in the chest, face and hands near the Londis store in Alexandra Road, Skilling.

He was flown by air ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.

His condition was later described as stable and he was released from hospital and described as ‘well on the way to recovery’ in the weeks after the incident. Police launched a two-week manhunt with pleas from members of Marshall’s family and friends for him to come forward.

Marshall voluntarily handed himself into police early on January 16 in Weymouth in connection with the attack.

Police stepped up patrols in the Skilling area to reassure the public after the attack.

Community leaders told of their shock immediately after the assault.

Mayor David Rickard said that his sympathy was with those involved and said that it was an isolated incident.

Bridport rector, the Rev Andrew Evans, of St Mary’s Church, later provided support for two witnesses to the attack.

He said both men, so-called ‘sofa surfers’ with no fixed address, were regular doorstep callers at the vicarage and were shocked by the attack.