A MAN who stabbed a fellow worker in the neck on a farm near Crediton following a row over spicy food has been jailed for five years.

Dean Loughran (48), attacked the victim with a kitchen knife after sparking an argument by squirting hand sanitiser into his meal.

The incident happened in the communal kitchen of the farm, Creedy Carver, Upton Hellions, Crediton, where both men were living and working on March 18, 2020.

The 31-year-old victim was making food he intended to share with the defendant when they had a disagreement over Loughran’s request to add more spice.

The co-worker went to his room to get an extra ingredient and returned to find Loughran squirting hand sanitiser into the meal.

An argument ensued before Loughran picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed the other man in the neck. The blade missed any major arteries or veins and the victim was treated in hospital and needed stitches.

Loughran, of no fixed abode, admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Judge Peter Johnson at Exeter Crown Court told him: “You picked up a knife and stabbed him on the left side of his neck. Mercifully, it missed the most vital organs and he did not suffer more serious injury or death as a result.”

Mr Lee Bremridge, prosecuting, said both men worked together for the family run business and lived on site. They had got on well until the argument about cooking on the night of the attack.

Mr Joss Ticehurst, defending, said Loughran has drink and drug issues arising from a violent upbringing during the Northern Ireland troubles.

He has expressed regret for what he did and is addressing his substance abuse issues while in custody.

He was sentenced to five years and four months in prison, with a three-year extended licence, at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday, February 3.

The judge told Loughran he posed a danger of serious harm to the wider public, despite seeking help for drug and alcohol dependency.

Detective Sergeant Simon Andrews, of Mid Devon CID, said: “This was a nasty incident. The fact that the victim was stabbed in the neck could potentially have had fatal consequences.

“The prison term handed to Loughran by the judge also reflects the lack of remorse shown by the defendant and the need to protect the wider community.

“This sentencing is a reflection of the serious nature of the offence and a warning to others about how seriously police and the courts take knife crime.”