Jealous Dorchester face slasher gets nine to ten

A Suffolk Superior Court jury today convicted Steven Banks, 48, of slicing up an ex-girlfriend's former beau so badly the man today needs to wear a small weight in one of his eyelids to help him blink, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

Prosecutors charge Banks and the man got into a fight after their mutual female acquaintance introduced them on Nov. 13 of last year:

When the woman introduced the victim as "one of my oldest and dearest friends" and the victim extended his hand in a friendly manner, Banks stated, "I don't shake hands."

A discussion ensued, the evidence showed, during which Banks pulled a knife and slashed the victim from his ear to his chin. ...

As a result of the attack, the victim suffered nerve damage and a deep laceration that leaves him unable to close his left eye naturally; he must wear a weight in that eyelid. Moreover, his left eye no longer produces tears naturally and he must place drops in it constantly.

Prosecutors had charged Banks with aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, which could have meant a 15-year sentence. The jury instead found him guilty on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.