A TEENAGER is facing a spell behind bars after admitting to stabbing a man.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was left fighting for his life in Turner Road, Colchester, shortly after midnight on August 6 last year.

He had been attacked with a hunting knife and suffered stab wounds which penetrated his lung and was also stabbed in the buttocks. A 17 year-old boy from the Colchester area was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later charged with GBH with intent.

He initially denied the charge but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of GBH without intent on the first day of his trial at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday.

He is due to be sentenced at the same court on February 21.

Investigating officer Det Con Michelle Mauger, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “This was a violent attack which left the victim in a critical condition and needing surgery.

“This teenager now faces the prospect of time behind bars and will have to reflect on his actions.”