Thug's 4 years for coke-fuelled stabbing attack

Argument over how to use drug during binge led to knife horror

- BY DAVID RALEIGH

A MAN who stabbed another man during a cocaine-fuelled row has been jailed for five years with the final year suspended.

Stephen Byrnes, 33, stabbed the victim, Damien Fitzpatrick, in his back and in the right side of his abdomen during a row over how to use cocaine at Byrnes' home.

Byrnes, of Geraldine House, Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick city, denied one count of assault causing harm, and one count of production of a knife during the assault - however, a jury found him guilty of both offences following a trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Prosecuting barrister John O'Sullivan BL told Byrnes' sentencing hearing that the assault on Mr Fitzpatrick occurred during a "heavy session of drink and drugs" at Byrnes' home two years ago.