A man who stabbed his own brother has escaped immediate imprisonment today – thanks to a plea from his victim.

Donovan Dudley, aged 30, of Sandringham Avenue in Rhyl, had denied a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after the incident in June.

A trial was due to be held but he admitted an alternative charge of wounding Mr Marcus Dudley which was acceptable to the prosecution.

At Mold Crown Court he received a two year prison sentence suspended for two years

Prosecuting barrister Mr Sion ap Mihangel told how words had been exchanged and the defendant punched his brother, who punched him back.

It was that that he “lost it” and said that he was going to get a knife.

He did so and then stabbed his brother in the arm.

Judge Niclas Parry sad that it was “quite remarkable” that he was not going to custody today.

“You entered your brother’s bedroom and punched him.

“You then threatened to obtain a knife.

“To his and everyone’s amazement you did and stabbed your brother in the arm.”

Judge Parry said that he did that while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“You could have killed him,” he warned.

But the victim had made a plea that he should receive treatment.

Judge Parry said that the victim’s wishes were not paramount in sentencing considerations but in appropriate cases they could be considered.

The defendant had served the equivalent of a ten month sentence while on remand, he had pleaded guilty and he had no previous convictions for violence.

The prison sentence would therefore be suspended but only because of his “brother’s forgiveness.”

Judge Parry said that the suspended sentence would include rehabilitation and an alcohol treatment programme.

He said that the defendant would be monitored closely.

The court heard that the victim did not want his brother to go to prison but wanted him to have help with anger management and other issues.

The victim was receiving physiotherapy and was still having problems with his arm.

Simon Killeen, defending, said that it was clear that the defendant had issues and problems.

He accepted that he needed support, said Mr Killeen, who described self-inflicted wounds to his client as appalling.