A man who stabbed a 19-year-old woman over the weekend was jailed for three months yesterday.

Perry Mosley Puckerin, 27, of Footbridge Lane, Pembroke, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to stabbing Dawnae Simmons on Sunday.

Crown counsel Wayne Caines told the court that Ms Simmons and Puckerin had been in a relationship for several years but that they split up six weeks ago. Ms Simmons told Police that she had suffered minor forms of abuse from him over the course of their relationship, but no incidents were reported to the Police.

Mr. Caines said Ms Simmons and her friends were at Club 40 on Front Street on Sunday night and saw Puckerin but did not speak to him.

After leaving the club at 3 a.m., Ms Simmons was separated from her friends. Puckerin approached her and asked: "Why didn't you answer my call? If you keep on acting stupid I am going to stab you."

Ms Simmons replied "whatever" and walked away.

Puckerin said: "Keep on walking away and see what happens."

Ms Simmons again said "whatever". She saw Puckerin was holding something in his hand and thought that he would throw it at her but instead he stabbed her with it.

The wound she suffered was three centimetres deep and one-and-a-half centimetres wide.

Puckerin tried to visit Ms Simmons at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and was arrested, cautioned and taken to Hamilton Police Station.

Mr. Caines said Puckerin told Police under caution that the stabbing was accidental and that he was talking to her when he made a reflex motion with his hands. He also admitted changing his clothes before going to the hospital.

Mr. Caines suggested an immediate custodial sentence and told the court that Puckerin was already on bail for another matter.

Puckerin said: "I'm sorry for what I have done, I never intended for that to happen. I feel that I deserve a chance - no one's perfect."

Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves said of Puckerin's previous convictions: "Each one of those were supposed to wake you up. How many chances do you want?"

"I'm not perfect," said Puckerin.

Mr. Greaves said: "You are so imperfect, you should not even say the word."

Pukerin told the court that he had a drinking problem and Mr. Greaves said: "You have a propensity for violence and you still go out drinking?"

"I'd like community service. I grew up in a terrible environment," Puckerin replied.

Mr. Greaves asked: "Tell me what environment?"

"I didn't have a father and we had to stay in different places," said Puckerin.

Mr. Greaves bellowed: "Do you know how many people grow up without a father? That is an invention by a lot of social workers and social scientists! Men have been growing up without fathers for ages."

"If you send me to jail, it won't help, I need to deal with this and get on with my life. Be lenient on me," pleaded Puckerin.

Mr. Greaves said: "I'll be lenient on you - I'm going to lean on you! She has a right to dodge you -I don't understand girls. If you talk foolishness and have a few convictions you'll get a girl. No wonder I am still a bachelor. If you wear a suit you wont get one."

Mr. Greaves sentenced him to three months in jail and said: "Take a rest (from) stabbing peoples daughters."