A MAN who tried to stab his friend to death with a seven-inch knife, only to be pinned down by a group of holidaymakers, was jailed yesterday.

Daniel Toms, 20, was handed an indeterminate sentence for repeatedly trying to stab his friend with a hunting knife after pleading guilty to attempted murder at Truro Crown Court yesterday.

Toms, of The Quay, West Looe, South East Cornwall, told police he "wanted to kill" friend Chris Emmins, 21, following a night out in the town.

The court heard how Toms repeatedly thrust the Rambo- style knife, complete with seven-inch blade, towards Mr Emmins, who armed himself with a pub advertising board. Mr Emmins escaped with a cut to his chest after Toms was pinned to the ground by the holidaymakers, including a pensioner.

The court heard a group of friends – including Mr Emmins and Toms – had been drinking in the Harbour Moon pub in September 2009 when a row broke out between Toms and another friend.

Prosecuting, Llewellyn Sellick said Mr Emmins restrained Toms by "flooring him". The group later made their way to another pub when Toms left to go to his flat.

Mr Sellick said: "One witness heard Toms shout 'I'm going to kill you', at Mr Emmins.

"He emerged from his flat with a fearsome-looking knife. He was holding it by his side and was walking towards the others. When he got nearer, someone yelled 'he's got a knife'."

The court heard how Mr Emmins armed himself with a pub advertising board, which he used to shield himself from the succession of jabs.

Toms was soon pinned to the floor by a group of men, including Ronald Telford, John Deakens and Mark Williams who Judge Christopher Elwen commended "for their public-spirited actions", awarding them £350 each for their bravery.

Defence counsel Rupert Taylor said Toms had "a very distressing background", while a medical report described Toms' alcohol and drug dependency and an anti-social personality disorder.

Mr Taylor said his client had spent his "best Christmas ever" in custody awaiting trial.

Judge Elwen sentenced Toms to an indeterminate sentence, saying he must serve a minimum of six-and-a-half years before being considered for release.

He added: "You are a young man. You view the 170 days you spent on remand as the best days of your life.

"I don't think anyone in this court will ever have heard anything quite so sad.

"But you pose a significant risk of serious harm to the public."

Speaking after the hearing, police civilian investigator Hugh Christophers said: "The public has to be protected from a man like Toms. A serious injury was avoided due to the brave actions of Mr Deakens, Mr Telford, Mr Williams and others."