A MAN was millimetres from death when a 14cm blade from a kitchen knife was lodged in his neck after the handle snapped.
He survived the attack after undergoing hours of emergency surgery to remove the blade, however he has been left with significant life-changing injuries.
A fight broke out in Jubilee Road, Shildon, shortly after 9pm on October 31 last year.
Thomas Brazell, 28, of Shildon, had previously admitted grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon at Newcastle Crown Court and on Wednesday was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison.
The sentencing comes as the national campaign #OpSceptre is underway this week aiming to reduce the number of bladed articles that might otherwise be used in crime.
Knife bins are in the receptions of Bishop Auckland, Durham City, Darlington, and Peterlee police stations, until tomorrow to allow people to surrender items anonymously.
Detective Constable Sunil Weerasinghe, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This man is incredibly lucky to be alive, although he will suffer the consequences of the attack for the rest of his life.
“As we have seen here, knife crime has such devastating consequences for not just the victim, but everyone involved.
“We will always take robust action against those who choose to carry knives and use them to harm others.
“Hopefully, this sentence will give Thomas Brazell a chance to reflect on his actions.”
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel