EDWARD Coll is beginning a life sentence today after being convicted of slashing two men with a knife during New Year celebrations.Coll, 27, of St Francis Tower, Ipswich, had denied assaulting Ben Blomfield causing him actual bodily harm and wounding Mr Blomfield and Justin O'Connor with intent to do them grievous bodily harm.

EDWARD Coll is beginning a life sentence today after being convicted of slashing two men with a knife during New Year celebrations.

Coll, 27, of St Francis Tower, Ipswich, had denied assaulting Ben Blomfield causing him actual bodily harm and wounding Mr Blomfield and Justin O'Connor with intent to do them grievous bodily harm.

A jury found him guilty yesterday of the offences after a trial at Ipswich Crown Court.

Sentencing Coll, Judge Gareth Hawkesworth said it was a miracle the victims had not been seriously injured by his actions.

"You attacked a young man by head butting and punching him and then using a stanley knife in a cowardly fashion," he added.

"You were convicted in circumstances where it's perfectly plain that a life sentence is appropriate for the very real danger and risk you pose to the public for no apparent reason whatsoever."

The court was told Coll had pervious convictions for violence and dishonesty and had previously been jailed in 1995 for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Judge Hawkesworth ordered Coll to serve a minimum of three-and-a-half years before he was eligible for parole.

The court had previously heard Coll had butted Mr Blomfield in the face in the Cornhill in Ipswich and punched him after accusing Mr Blomfield's friend of owing him money.

Mr O'Connor, who did not know Mr Blomfield or Coll, had gone to Mr Blomfield's aid and he and Mr Blomfield had been slashed with a knife by Coll.

Neither of the men were seriously injured.