A 21-year-old man will spend nearly 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

Daniel Macintosh of Berberis Walk, West Drayton, was also given an indefinite restraining order in relation to the victim, a man in his 60s, whom he tried to decapitate.

Macintosh previously admitted to one count each of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place in a hearing on August 30 at the same court.

On July 23 this year in Albion Crescent, Chalfont St Peter, the victim offered Macintosh some work at his property.

As the work would take two days, he offered the 21-year-old a room to stay for the night to prevent him having to travel home.

After the man in his 60s had made dinner and went to bed, he woke up at around 11.30pm to a sharp, stabbing pain in his neck which was covered in blood.

He woke to see Macintosh standing at the end of his bed holding a bread knife

The perpetrator then fled the address and discarded the knife outside a nearby property, before he knocked on several houses claiming he was being chased by people with a knife who were trying to rob him.

A member of the public allowed him in their house and the police were called.

Macintosh was swiftly arrested and was charged the following day.

The victim suffered significant neck injuries and remained in hospital for a few days to undergo surgery to repair the damage caused in the attack.

He was sentenced to 26 years behind the bars.

Senior investigating Officer DI Dominique Muldoon, said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack on a vulnerable victim who had displayed nothing but kindness towards Daniel Macintosh in the short time he had spent with him.

“I am pleased that Macintosh has been given an extended sentence for 26 years; the length of this sentence reflects the seriousness and dangerousness of his actions.

“Macintosh is a dangerous individual and clearly intended to kill the victim by attempting to decapitate him with the victim’s own bread knife.

“He was only stopped by the victim awakening from his sleep.

“Our victim is incredibly lucky that he had awoken before one of his main arteries had been cut, from which death would have been the outcome.

“Thankfully instances such as this are extremely rare.

“I would like to praise the bravery of the victim who has shown tremendous courage throughout this case.

“I would also like to recognise the incredible work of the investigation team and CPS for which this result would not have been possible.

“It is important that the public helps us in our fight against serious violence and knife crime and by reporting to us you could help save a life.

“If you are worried that someone you know is using violence or is carrying a knife, please report it. We can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them and identify those responsible.

“You can make a report by going to our website or calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. “