A TEENAGE drug user will spend Christmas behind bars after being sentenced today to two years for stabbing an ice cream man in Southall.

Jermain Mattan, from King Street, Southall, was convicted in October of stabbing 44-year-old Andrew Fernandes, who was selling ice cream from his van at the junction of Saxon Road and Southall Broadway.

Isleworth Crown Court heard the 18-year-old had a long history of knife and drug related offences, and had appeared three times in court this year before the incident on July 4.

Judge Hezlett Colgan said: "In 2006 you were before the courts on two occassions, once for having a machete.

"You also appeared in court three times this year before this offence, once for possession of cannabis, once for possession of cocaine and once for a knife related crime.

"The courts have tried to help you with your problems in the past, but you have not accepted this help."

Mattan was convicted of actual bodily harm for stabbing Mr Fernandes in the chest with a flick knife after being refused a free ice cream.

Mr Fernandes told the court how Mattan had run away and dumped the knife after stabbing him, before being stopped by police for a routine stop and search.

The victim saw police talking to the defendant and told them about what had happened.

Francis O'Toole, acting for the defence, said: "This is a very serious offence, but thankfully the injury sustained by the victim was not serious thanks to his quick action."

The court also heard Mattan had a difficult childhood, and had been brought up by his aunt, who gave evidence for the defence at his trial, after his parents abandoned him.

Judge Hezlett Colgan said he was impressed with positive probation reports on Mattan's behaviour whilst on remand, but said a custodial sentence was still necessary.

He said: "I am taking into account your age and the fact you have no previous convictions for causing injury to a person, and that you are taking steps to deal with your drug and alcohol habit.

"However, this is still a knife offence, and in the current climate I have no choice but to impose a custodial sentence on you."

The 139 days Mattan has served on probation will be taken into account, and he will be eligible for parole in July next year.