A VULNERABLE man who grabbed a kitchen knife and slashed at his neck has been jailed.

Marc Anthony Lane, who admitted possessing a bladed article in a public place when he appeared before magistrates earlier this month, was sentenced this morning (Monday) at the Isle of Wight Crown Court.

The court heard he was living at The Priory in Carisbrooke — supported accommodation run by The Salvation Army — when he had a verbal altercation with another resident.

On October 1, after arguing with Peter Larkin, the court heard Lane took a 6ins knife from the kitchen and followed him outside.

"The grounds are open to the public and a number of people live there. It's a place where vulnerable people were likely to have been affected," said Richard Martin, prosecuting.

"The defendant had the knife in his hand. He was shouting and swearing. He was described as angry and intimidating."

The police were called and Lane was arrested.

Describing Lane as 'extremely vulnerable,' Oscar Vincent, defending, said he had not threatened Mr Larkin with the knife.

The court heard Lane was upset due to a problem with his medication and had just learnt his care coordinator had left, leaving him without a dedicated social worker.

"He was extremely emotional. He went outside and said to Mr Larkin, 'look what you've done to me,'" said Mr Vincent.

"The knife was described as a cheap kitchen knife. He attempted to cut his wrist, but it was too blunt.

"He put it to his neck with a slashing motion, which caused superficial scratches."

Mr Vincent said Lane had not intended to cause Mr Larkin any harm, only to harm himself.

When he was asked to put the knife down, Mr Vincent said he did so immediately and was apologising to Mr Larkin when the police arrived.

The court heard Lane was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in April last year, again for possessing a bladed article in a public place.

The latest offence was committed while he was still on licence. The license was revoked and Lane has been remanded in custody, at HMP Isle of Wight, for almost a month.

He will remain in prison until November 27, when the licence expires, then serve a further 146 days for the latest offence.

Recorder Charles Morrison said: "You are currently serving a sentence for possessing a bladed article. I'm enormously troubled by your propensity to 'go for a knife' when things get difficult.

"That is something that must come to a stop."