A MAN who stabbed his neighbour in the back before driving off in his car was jailed for six years last week.

James Gillan, formerly of Eldefield, Letchworth GC, and living in Stotfold prior to the trial, was found guilty to the charge of GBH with intent at Luton Crown Court after attacking 39-year-old Lance Daniels.

The 54-year-old was also given a 10 year restraining order to protect his victim’s family when the verdict was announced last Thursday.

The court heard how on May 20, 2010, Mr Daniels was confronted by Gillan as he was getting out of his car in Eldefield. Gillan head-butted Mr Daniels and then proceeded to stab him in the back twice with a sharp implement, before Gillan fled from the scene in his car.

He was arrested five days later after handing himself in at Stevenage Police Station.

Mr Daniels, who was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage with two stab wounds to his lower back, was released following treatment two days later.

Investigating officer DC Laura Talbot, said: “James Gillan was rightly convicted for his actions and has received a sentence which suitably reflects the seriousness of the offence he committed.

“I would like to thank Mr Daniel’s family and local neighbours for their assistance with this investigation and throughout the trial.”

She added: “Mr Daniels and his family have had a particularly difficult time in recent months and I hope that today’s sentencing will now help them to move on with their lives.”