A Southfields thug slashed a man across the face with a knife he bizzarely claimed was a gift from US President George Bush.

Construction worker Everton Reid, 27, from Keevil Drive, was jailed for four and a half years for the savage attack which left victim Ronald Gascoyne with a three-inch scar.

The Old Bailey jury heard on Friday, August 3, how events unfolded on the day of the attack.

Reid was in the Mortlake home of his estranged wife, Gloria Brown, when he gleefully showed her a knife, making a macabre claim it was a present from the US President.

Suddenly he punched her and lashed out with the knife. Ms Brown's son, Danny, stabbed Reid in the back in a desperate attempt to protect his mother and Mr Gascoyne also jumped in to help.

After a short struggle, all three managed to escape the flat and leave Reid behind.

But Reid caught up with them again in Mortlake High Street, wrongfully citing Mr Gascoyne as the one who had stabbed him.

Reid lunged at Mr Gascoyne, slashing him across the face before punching and kicking him to the ground.

Judge Christopher Moss said: "You inflicted upon Ronald Gascoyne a horrific wounding to the face which has left him permanently scarred.

"You were using a knife which you had on your person. I don't think for one second that you were carrying that knife to help out a friend with DIY as you claimed.

"Those who carry knives and use them to inflict injuries can expect to receive lengthy prison sentences."

In mitigation, the court heard how Reid had moved to the UK from Jamaica in 1999 and married Ms Brown in November 2002. The pair had separated in April 2005.

Defending barrister Michael Hall said Reid had showed contrition and remorse and felt he had let down his new partner Chantelle Ewbank and his 18-month-old daughter Chantelle.

Reid was jailed for three years and six months for wounding with intent to cause grevious bodily harm, as well as a further 12 months for possession of 1kg of cannabis.