A MAN knifed the manager of a 'halfway house' in a "frenzied" attack less than a day after moving into the property.

Robert Ward had been living in a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Wavell Road, Bournemouth for just hours before the attack against Garry Willcox on June 25 this year.

The defendant broke down Mr Willcox's door before running at him in a "ferocious manner", pulling an eight-inch knife from his pocket and telling the victim: "Don't take me for a mug - you're trying to mug me off."

He then forced Mr Willcox onto his bed, grabbed him by the throat and punched him in the face.

After searching through the victim's possessions and taking cash, Ward stabbed Mr Willcox in the left thigh.

The defendant, a former Big Issue seller, was arrested a short while later in a nearby bingo hall.

Stuart Ellacott, prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, said the victim managed the HMO on behalf of the landlord.

"The victim and the defendant had been residing in a multi-occupancy premises," he said.

"At the time, Mr Willcox, having been allowed to stay by the landlord, had taken over the running of the premises.

"He was doing his best to help those who were homeless."

Ward believed the victim owed him £80 from his deposit, the court heard.

The defendant had also heard allegations that Mr Willcox had beaten his disabled daughter.

The victim suffered a six centimetre-deep injury to his leg in the attack.

He did not need surgery.

However, he said that his life has "fallen apart" since the stabbing, and he has lost his home as the landlord felt that the accusation against him "could lead to further trouble".

"He fears social environs because of the rumours," Mr Ellacott said.

Ward, 39, of Trinity Road in Bournemouth, admitted aggravated burglary and theft.

He already has 24 convictions for 45 offences, but had previously never been sentenced to more than 24 weeks in prison.

Robert Grey, mitigating, said Ward's life has been "marked" by periods of homelessness.

"Since being on remand in custody he has been accessing education through courses," he said.

"He has got some certificates, which he is somewhat proud of."

Sentencing Ward to five years in prison, Recorder James Townsend said the victim had been subjected to a "sustained" attack.

"It was to some extent premeditated and based on a sense of grievance that you had," he said.

"[The victim] is a diminished man in terms of his day-to-day life."