A CRIMINAL who was found guilty of stabbing a 55-year-old after smashing his windows in was led from the dock shouting and swearing after the jury returned its verdict.

Alex Potter knifed Lee Jackson in April and went on the run for a week before handing himself in, whilst co-defendant and partner Bibi Stone was arrested the same day.

Judge Richard Kelly told the two defendants to expect time in jail.

He said: “These are serious offences and will almost certainly result in a custodial sentence for you Ms Stone.

“For you Mr Potter it will result in a custodial sentence of some significant length.”

Stone, who was granted bail, was crying in the dock after the verdict and embraced Potter before he was taken down to the cells.

Potter then began swearing angrily, prompting Judge Richard Kelly to warn him about being in contempt of court.

Addressing Potter’s defence lawyer Oliver Snodin, Judge Kelly said: “I presume Mr Potter knows I’m going to be the sentencing judge.”

When Mr Snodin said Potter was aware, the judge replied: “Good.”

The court was told the probation service will prepare pre-sentence reports before the two defendants are sentenced later this year.