A GRANDSON of murder victim Geoffrey Leeming has been jailed for partially paralysing a teenager with a Stanley knife.

Scott Stephen Leeming, 20, severed two major nerves and cut Dean Edwards's arm muscle when he stabbed him in Rowntree Avenue late on September 6, said Geraldine Kelly, prosecuting at York Crown Court.

Then he turned the knife on himself and was covered in blood when police arrested him 75 minutes later.

More than six months after the stabbing, 19-year-old Mr Edwards cannot dress himself properly and is unable to work.

Doctors won't know if he will make a full recovery for at least two years.

"What you did was to affect his life for a considerable time," Judge Geoffrey Marson QC told Leeming. "It was a very nasty injury."

Leeming, of Crombie Avenue and Burton Stone Lane, admitted wounding and was jailed for 18 months.

"He had a very difficult and troubled early life," said his barrister, Andrew Stranex. "He needs help. When he is stable, when he is off drugs and off drink, and when he has responsibilities, it is quite clear he can contribute in a way that is appropriate."

He had previously told the court that Leeming was released from Bootham Hospital shortly before the attack, and may have been released too early.

Leeming's grandfather, Geoffrey Leeming, was murdered in 1996 outside his home in Linley Avenue, Haxby, during a Coronation Street episode.

Scott Leeming's father, Stephen, and two other members of his family were charged with conspiracy to murder, but the case was thrown out at York Magistrates Court in 1998.

Miss Kelly said that Mr Edwards had been drinking before the incident in Rowntree Avenue at 10.45pm. Leeming had challenged him to a fight and Mr Edwards had taken his top off. Then Leeming had stabbed him in the arm.

Taken to hospital after his arrest, Leeming showed medical staff a head injury he said was caused by Mr Edwards hitting him with a belt buckle, and police later found a buckle near the scene.

Mr Stranex said Leeming regretted the attack and had changed significantly since the incident.

He had a stable relationship and was caring for his girlfriend's young child. He had also tackled his drugs and drink problem.