A TEENAGE knifeman who claimed he was "a one-man gang" after stabbing a stranger, leaving him fighting for his life, has been put behind bars for eight years.

The 36-year-old victim of Kalvin Atkin needed emergency surgery to repair the wounds after sustaining a collapsed lung in the attack in December, in Darlington, and has still not returned to work.

In a victim impact statement, Teesside Crown Court heard how he suffers from anxiety, flashbacks, has trouble sleeping and is now on anti-depressant medication.

Atkin was on a community order for violence at the time of the attack, which followed an exchange of words outside Hogans bar, in Victoria Road.

The 19-year-old went to a nearby house after the row turned into a scuffle, got two knives from the kitchen and returned.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the victim was stabbed three times in the chest and stomach, and suffered a wound to a finger.

Atkin returned to the house and was said by the occupant to be thumping his chest and saying: "I'm a one-man gang, me."

Judge Peter Armstrong described the attack as "sustained, repeated and serious" as he sentenced the teenager to eight years' detention.

The judge told Atkin yesterday: "You are only 19 years of age, but already you are building up a record for violence.

"The victim was simply out for the evening with his partner socialising at his local pub and was having a cigarette outside.

"For some reason, you got into some altercation and there was a bit of a fight. That was separated.

"Had it ended there, there would not have been the devastation to him and to you by this offence."

Ben Pegman, mitigating, told the court that Atkin, of Pensbury Street, Darlington, had a troubled childhood, and had issues which needed addressing.

"He is genuinely and totally remorseful for his actions," said Mr Pegman. "He has found it extremely difficult to come to terms with what he has done, and tells me he suffers nightmares and flashbacks.

"He has given me a letter for the victim, and I have provided it to the Crown. That's an expression of remorse written directly to the victim."

Atkin admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on December 3.