Caged for horrific stabbing

James Skelly, 18, and Anthony Stride, 22, forced their way into the Granger home in Brighton Road, Lancing, and stabbed Noel Granger, 23.

Mr Granger's parents and brother were in the house during the raid, in the early hours of December 30 last year.

Chichester Crown Court heard Mr Granger had since recovered from multiple injuries, including a serious stab wound, but had been left traumatised.

Skelly, of Rectory Farm Road, Sompting, and Stride, of Loose Lane, Sompting, were sentenced after pleading guilty following a week of evidence from the victim and his family. Skelly and Stride were originally charged with attempted murder but admitted alternative charges. Skelly pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and Stride to a lesser charge of malicious wounding.

Skelly was jailed for seven years and Stride was sentenced to two years in prison.

Detective Inspector Nigel Brown, who led the investigation into the stabbing, said: "This was a very serious attack, carried out by the two men forcing their way into the Granger family home and attacking the victim with knives while his parents and brother were in the premises.

"This has left the whole family traumatised.

"Fortunately the victim recovered, but he will carry the horror of this attack with him for the rest of his life."