A SOBBING Iranian man has been jailed for six years following a “terrifying” street attack in the Charminster area of Bournemouth last autumn.

Amer Yaser, 25, was found guilty of unlawfully wounding a Syrian man who suffered permanent scarring after being slashed across the face with a blade.

Jurors at Bournemouth Crown Court heard how violence had flared on September 17 with two children among those who witnessed the assault.

Prosecutor Angela England said Yaser’s victim had suffered “permanent disfiguration” after being slashed across the forehead and face.

Defending Yaser, who followed the proceedings with the help of a Kurdish interpreter, Frank Abbott stressed that there had been an incident the previous day involving the two men.

He added: “Eye witnesses looking out of their houses only saw the end of this very unfortunate and utterly inexplicable incident.

“Mr Yaser was attacked first and he still protests his innocence.

“We still haven’t got to the bottom of what had happened before.”

Mr Abbott said his client was a man of previous good character, highly respected and supported by his family, who were in court.

His victim had forgiven him and did not want him to go to prison.

Sentencing Yaser from Charminster Road, Bournemouth, Recorder Stephen Climie told him: “I cannot lose sight of the fact that the injury inflicted generated a dramatic, terrifying scene for those who happened to be passing by or looking out of their windows.

“The incident took place in broad daylight and was even witnessed by two young children.”

Yaser wept uncontrollably as he was led away.