Norman Hay, 35, was today starting a two-and-a-half-year jail term for the attack.

Hay kicked his way into Ian Bujonwski's home, demanding cash and accused his terrified victim of 'grassing him up' – before a violent struggle broke out.

He told Mr Bujonwski he was going to "be cut up" before he pinned him between a chair and a window.

When Mr Bujonwski tried to flee his house he was stabbed twice in his leg and had his fingers sliced as he tried to wrestle the knife from his attacker's grip.

Yesterday, a judge labelled Hay a dangerous offender and jailed him for 30 months.

The attack happened at 10.40pm in Jobson Street, Hartlepool, on January 22 this year when Mr Bujonwski was sitting at home with a friend.

It began when he went to investigate a banging noise coming from the gate of his back yard.

Christopher Attwooll, prosecuting, said: "The complainant saw the defendant in the alley with his hood pulled up where he said to him 'I want your money'.

"He immediately tried to run into the house but the defendant followed him and kicked the door in.

"He was carrying a large black handle kitchen knife with a six-inch blade. The defendant said 'give me your money, I am going to cut you up'."

When the struggle began Mr Bujonwski's friend went to get help.

The attack moved into the living room with Hay, standing over Mr Bujonwski at one point as he was pinned between a chair and window.

Mr Bujonwski suffered cuts to his fingers when he tried to wrestle the knife from Hay's hand.

And as he tried to make a run for the front door, Hay stabbed him twice in the calf muscle in his right leg saying "you grassed me up".

Mr Bujonwski handed over £200 to £300 from his sock before Hay left and threw the knife in the street.

David Lamb, mitigating for Hay, said Mr Bujonwski's injuries, which measured half an inch had not caused any permanent damage.

Hay, of Baptist Street, Hartlepool, originally denied attacking the victim but later pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

The court heard he had a number of previous convictions dating back to 1989 including assault, theft and burglary.

The court also heard that in 2003 he was sentenced to 42 months in prison for wounding.

Judge Peter Bowers said: "This was a violent and terrifying attack on a man in his own home, whatever the reasons for it. It is very lucky his injuries weren't serious.

"I consider you a dangerous offender."