A MAN has been jailed after stabbing a 21-year-old woman in the eye and an 18-year-old in the chest with a carving knife.

Stephen Hodgson, 20, was given a custodial sentence of three years and three at Carlisle Crown Court on September 27 after he was found guilty of two counts of wounding, affray and possession of a bladed article as well as two counts of perverting the course of justice.

Hodgson of Herdus Road, Whitehaven had been at a party on August 22 last year when he attacked the two women.

The 20-year-old stabbed the 18-year-old woman in the chest with a carving fork, before stabbing the 21-year-old woman in the eye with the same fork.

Detective Sergeant Martin Hodgson, West Cumbria CID, said: "I am pleased that Stephen Hodgson has been sentenced for his violent actions.

"Fortunately neither victim will have any long-term physical implications because of Hodgson, but that certainly does not dilute the seriousness of his offences.

"The 21-year-old victim could easily have lost an eye.

"Hodgson is a dangerous offender and I hope his sentencing sends out a message that violent assaults will not be tolerated in this county and we will look to bring any offender to justice."