A KNIFEMAN terrified drinkers by leaving a family man injured and lying in a pool of blood.

Violent thief Keith Hammond wounded Colin Burlinson so badly he thought he had fallen into a puddle.

It was only when horrified passers-by warned that his assailant had a knife that Mr Burlinson realised his clothes were soaked with his own blood.

Keith Hammond, 37, of Mulgrave Drive, Sunderland, was found guilty by a jury of carrying a knife and of wounding with intent.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how on Saturday, January 22, Hammond, who was walking his flatmate's two dogs, saw Mr Burlinson celebrating with friends and relatives at the Albion pub, in Zetland Road, Sunderland.

Hammond stood in the street and began shouting abuse at Mr Burlinson and the group.

Mr Burlinson, of Sunderland, left the pub to remonstrate with Hammond, who pulled out a knife and lashed out.

He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he was admitted for the night and released the next day.

Hammond had stabbed Mr Burlinson at least twice, the court heard.

Mr Burlinson said: "At first, I thought I had been lying in a puddle, but then I found out I was covered in blood. It was coming from my left-hand side and the back of my neck."

The jury rejected mitigation pleas that Mr Burlinson had gone across the road to pick a fight.

The court heard that Hammond had convictions for wounding, shoplifting, burglary and for carrying a knife.

Adjourning sentence until July 21 for reports, Judge Michael Wood remanded Hammond in custody