A man cut a neighbour with a knife in a bust-up over a noisy television, a court was told.

Gary Cooper was in an "emotional state" when he jabbed the knife at Philip McCann during a doorstep confrontation.

A flap of skin was sliced off Mr McCann's thumb when he grabbed it as he tried to defend himself.

The blade also nicked him during the incident leaving a small mark under his chin.

At the time Cooper, 48, was living in a flat above Mr McCann in Hereford Street, Brighton.

He had spoken to his neighbour before about noise from his television keeping him awake late at night.

Cooper had been drinking and took a kitchen knife with him when he went to speak to Mr McCann on September 15, 2006.

Nicholas Hall, prosecuting, said: "He was jabbing the knife towards the complainant who put up his hands to defend himself.

"That resulted in his thumb being cut and in the scuffle that ensued a fairly minor injury was caused to his chin."

Mr McCann later told police he had been left a "bag of nerves" after the attack and was nervous about people walking past his window.

After he was arrested Cooper denied being at the house at all when the attack took place.

He maintained his innocence at his trial in October but changed his plea to guilty to wounding Mr McCann on the second day.

He was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, when he appeared at Hove Crown Court yesterday.

The court heard Cooper had a previous conviction for violence 28 years ago but has kept out of trouble for 13 years.

Guy Russell, defending, said: "There was drink involved and there was a certain amount of provocation from noise coming from that flat.

"It may be that he went down there about that but accepts there was no reason for him to arm himself with a weapon.

"He behaved recklessly by jabbing the knife at Mr McCann and did not intend to injure him."

Mr Russell added that sentencing had been adjourned to allow Cooper to have operations and treatment for cancer.

He said Cooper, now of Southfield Drive, Brighton, had recovered but would need regular checks.

Cooper was also given a 9pm to 6am curfew for four months and must complete an alcohol treatment programme.

Judge David Rennie said: "At the time this happened you were emotional and your stability had been compromised due to your cancer diagnosis.

"I regard your violent behaviour as being worrying but essentially out of character and do not believe it is ever likely to be repeated."