A MAN who stabbed his victim in the chest twice after he smashed a window at a pub has been jailed for more than five years.

Zak Lawrence broke a window at the Cleveland Huntsman pub in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, and when he was confronted about it he good embroiled in a tussle with a man.

Pub regular Glen Walker came out to help his friend apprehend Lawrence and during the ensuing melee he was stabbed twice in the chest resulting in a collapsed lung.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Lawrence used a black kitchen knife to stab Mr Walker on New Year's Day.

Aisha Wadoodi, prosecuting, said Lawrence had smashed the pub window and was causing a commotion outside when the trouble flared.

"The defendant was holding a kitchen knife, shouting 'I will cut you up'," she said. "He stabbed him twice in the right side of his chest and the defendant was still grappling with the other man.

"Mr Walker was struggling to breathe and was seen at James Cook University Hospital by a consultant for treatment to the two stab wounds.

"The defendant had a stab wound to his leg but he was so abusive that the staff refused to treat him and he was taken to the police station."

In a victim personal statement, the court heard how the incident had left Mr Walker feeling nervous when visiting the pub where he has been a regular for more than 20 years.

Lawrence, of Folkstone Close, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.

In mitigation, Paul Green, said his client had not intended to use the knife and had been going through a difficult time when the offence occurred.

He said: "His behaviour on that night has shocked him and understands that he needs to sort himself out.

"He has moved his life forward; he is back with his family; his father and partner are here to support him."

Judge Howard Crowson jailed the 22-year-old for five and a half years.

He said: "Mr Walker immediately went to his friend's assistance, which given he saw you with a knife in your hand, was a brave thing to do of course.

"Sadly, he was then stabbed by you twice to the right side of his chest and it caused a collapsed lung and bleeding into his chest cavity which are serious but with the immediate help of doctors he has made, it seems, a good physical recovery."