A man was condemned to a suspended jail term today after slashing his brother with a penknife during an argument over milk.

The incident happened in November two years ago. The court heard that Cliff Spalding returned home drunk and began arguing with his brother Vince over a glass of milk.

Cliff continued to push his brother until the latter grabbed a pen knife and slashed him across the chest under his neck. He was then charged with attempted murder.

In the judgement, the magistrate said that Cliff Spalding had testified that he did not have any problems with his brother and in fact did not quite remember what had happened during the incident.

The court said this was a case where the accused Vince Spalding needed guidance and supervision and although the crime was serious the court acknowledged that he was provoked.

Magistrate Vella handed down a nine month jail term suspended for two years which includes a supervision order.