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 Northern Echo: An x-ray shows the knife lodged in the victim's neck An x-ray shows the knife lodged in the victim's neck

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.”

The Northern Echo: Brazell has been jailedBrazell has been jailed

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