POLICE have warned that there will always be severe penalties for using weapons after three young men were jailed for a total of almost 30 years  for a brutal knife attack.

Vito Mazzotta almost died after being stabbed repeatedly during a frenzied attack in Eldene last June and nearly died.

Raffaele Bretti, 20, of Wharf Road, Daniel Peapell, 21, of Trowbridge Close, and Zak Doyle, 19, of Abbeymeads, all pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Bristol Crown Court on Monday.

Yesterday Bretti, who is a cousin of his victim, and Doyle were each given ten years and four months for the offence and will begin their sentence in a young offender’s institute.

Peapell was deemed to have played slightly a lesser role and so was given eight years and nine months.

These sentences had been reduced by 20 per cent as they pleaded guilty to GBH at the first opportunity and the eight months they have already spent in prison will be taken off.

Today DC Sonia Marsh: “We’re pleased with the outcome of the case; it is the result of the commitment from all of those involved, particularly the witnesses whose evidence we rely almost entirely on. Without them successful prosecutions would not be possible and I thank everyone who assisted us in this enquiry.

"No good can come from carrying a knife or any weapon. The temptation to use a weapon is often too great and the consequences dire.

"Vito Mazzotta nearly lost his life at the age of only 18 to these three young men, whose judgement was skewed by alcohol and adrenalin.

"The perpetrators will have a long time to reflect on the stupidity of their actions and will spend perhaps the best years of their youth behind bars.

"The message is clear: if you use a weapon against another, the penalties will be severe.”