A former British Army soldier who left a tourist fighting for his life in a nightclub knife attack has been jailed. 

Krisma Anthony, of Repository Road in Charlton, viciously attacked Tharel Thompson, 29, who had been visiting the UK from Barbados. 

Thompson became involved in a dispute with Anthony, 23, and Jahlil Charles, 23, in the corridor of Walkabout in Reading on February 11. 

A CCTV video shown in the trial at Reading Crown Court captured the moment when the dispute turned into a bloody attack, with Anthony admitting that he had stabbed Mr Thompson in the side of the head.  

The attack unleashed 'a fountain of blood' according to one witness, and Mr Thompson was left with life-changing injuries akin to suffering a major stroke. 

Police said Mr Thompson was seen leaving the toilet at 2pm and fist-bumped Charles, suggesting there was no animosity. 

But minutes later Anthony attacked Mr Thompson and stabbed him through his skull, leaving him lying in the corridor critically injured. 

Anthony was found guilty of attempted murder and Judge Heather Norton has sentenced him to 27 years in prison. 

He had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and carrying a knife.  

Anthony's co-defendant - construction worker Jahlil Charles, of no fixed abode - was charged with attempted murder and possessing a knife. He has been acquitted on both charges. 

During the trial, prosecutor Mr Jonathan Stone said Anthony had made a 'cold-blooded attempt' to kill Mr Thompson.  

Anthony responded: "I only stabbed him once. It was unjust. I'm very sorry for what I have done to Mr Thompson - but I had no intention of killing him." 

Mr Thompson was left with permanent scarring and police said he will never fully recover to lead a full and active life. 

Krisma AnthonyKrisma Anthony (Image: TVP)

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Nick Hind, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “Whatever the cause of disagreement between Mr Thompson and Anthony, there can be no doubt that this was a vicious, needless and apparently unprovoked attack. 

“He left Mr Thompson for dead in the corridor of the nightclub before making good his escape. 

“Mr Thompson sustained very severe injuries, and it is nothing short of a miracle that he did not die as a result of this attack. 

“I would like to pay tribute to the expertise of the surgeons who operated on Mr Thompson and the nurses and other medical professionals that provided incredible care for him.” 

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Police also paid tribute to Mr Thompson’s family. 

DI Hind said: ““Not only have they had to endure a long and harrowing investigation, but have suffered financially as well as they have needed to find the funds to ensure Mr Thompson got the medical treatment that he needed. 

“No family should have to endure this, and it is testament to them that they have supported this investigation through to what I hope they feel is a satisfactory conclusion for them. 

“I would like to wish Mr Thompson and his family all good wishes for the future, which they will have to live with coping with the significant implications from this horrific incident.”