A WATCHET man who tried to kill his own father after an argument, was handed a two year community order at Taunton Crown Court today.

Adrian Davey, 27, of Northcroft, Williton was eating Sunday dinner with his father on May 3 and large quantities of cider had been consumed when an argument broke out.

Mr Davey, who the court heard has mental difficulties, attacked his father with a 4-6 inch knife between 9pm and 10pm before phoning his mother and saying "I've killed Dad".

Soon after the police and ambulance services arrived and Davey's father was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital with severe neck injuries and required a blood transfusion.

In his sentencing Judge Ticehurst said he had taken into account the exceptional circumstances involved in the case.

"You are a very lucky man Mr Davey, the combination of your mental health problems with a large quantity of alcohol means this incident could easily have been a lot worse," Judge Ticehurst said.

"Had you have killed your father, which you did not more by luck than judgement, there would only be one sentence I could hand down to you."

"You have a father who remains supportive of you in spite of this incident, and who does not regard himself as a victim, did not want to press charges and still says he is proud of you.

"You are very lucky to have a father like that.

"There are a number of exceptional circumstances which include your mental health difficulties, drink was an aggravating feature and I must take into account the support of your family.

Davey was sentenced to a two year community order, and was told he must do exactly what his probation officer and doctors told him, and that he must take his medication and keep off the alcohol.

Judge Ticehurst: "I do not consider you a significant threat or menace to the public, and I very much hope the court never sees you again."